The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The US has declined Iran’s request to assist in investigating the helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, his foreign minister, and six others, citing “logistical reasons,” according to a senior American diplomat.
President Raisi, 63, a potential successor to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and six others, were found dead on Monday after their helicopter crashed in foggy conditions. This tragic event leaves the Islamic Republic without two of its key leaders amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East.
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated during a press briefing on Monday that while the US expressed readiness to assist, it ultimately could not provide help. “We were asked by the Iranian government for assistance. We said that we would be willing to assist, as we would with any government in such a situation. However, largely due to logistical reasons, we weren’t able to provide that assistance,” Miller explained.
In response to whether the US would extend official condolences and participate in a moment of silence for Raisi at the UN Security Council, Miller emphasized the US’s stance on Raisi’s record. “Raisi was a brutal participant in the repression of the Iranian people for nearly four decades, but we regret any loss of life in a helicopter crash,” he said. “Our fundamental approach to Iran has not changed and will not change. We will continue to support the people of Iran and defend their human rights and aspirations for a free, open society and democratic participation.”
Miller also addressed comments by former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who blamed US sanctions for the incident. Iran has not provided an official reason for the crash, which occurred in mountainous terrain amid sudden, intense fog. The crash on Sunday involved a Bell 212 helicopter, killing all eight on board.
“The Iranian government has used its aircraft to support terrorism. We will continue to fully enforce our sanctions regime, including those on aircraft used by the Iranian government. Ultimately, it is the Iranian government that is responsible for deciding to fly a 45-year-old helicopter in poor weather conditions,” Miller said.
The Bell 212 is a two-blade, twin-engine, medium helicopter first flown in 1968. Initially manufactured by Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth, Texas, the production plant was moved to Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, in 1988.
