On Sunday, May 19th, Iranian officials confirmed that President Ebrahim Raisi had died in a helicopter crash. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of President Raisi, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Abdollahian, and all other passengers on board.
The confirmation came from Iran’s state news agency IRIB on Monday, May 20th, revealing that the helicopter carrying President Raisi crashed in the mountainous region of East Azerbaijan Province in Iran. The death of President Raisi comes at a time when Iran’s political landscape is uncertain, leading to ongoing increases in international oil prices.
Following the crash, Iran’s Vice President Mohsen Mansouri took to social media to confirm President Raisi’s passing. Raisi’s untimely death coincides with internal and external challenges faced by Iran’s political regime, as discontent rises over various political, social, and economic crises within the country.
Iran has been facing increased international sanctions due to its illicit nuclear program and support for Russia in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Last year, Iran-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas launched attacks on Israel, sparking tensions in the Middle East and prompting Israeli military actions in Gaza against Hamas.
Iran’s political system is divided into clerical institutions and the government. Since 1989, Iran’s Supreme Leader, 85-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has held decision-making power over all major policies. In 2021, after winning a tightly controlled election, Raisi consolidated power under hardline factions, enforcing strict moral laws, cracking down on anti-government protests, and vigorously pursuing nuclear negotiations with Western countries.
Prior to Raisi, former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pursued a more moderate domestic and foreign policy, engaging in negotiations with Western countries, including the United States, leading to the nuclear agreement. Many Iranians believed Raisi was being groomed to succeed Supreme Leader Khamenei, but his position as a successor weakened due to ongoing protests against clerical rule and Iran’s economic challenges amidst Western sanctions.
Following Raisi’s death, if approved by Khamenei, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will temporarily assume the presidential duties, leading to new presidential elections within 50 days. Mokhber, like Raisi, is considered to have a close relationship with Khamenei.
With the uncertain political landscape in Iran following President Raisi’s tragic death and the delayed Japan trip of Saudi Crown Prince due to King Salman’s health issues, international oil prices continued to rise on Monday. As of 6:32 GMT, Brent crude prices increased by 41 cents, reaching $84.39 per barrel, with a peak at $84.43, the highest since May 10th.
The U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil for June rose by 23 cents to $80.29 per barrel, previously hitting $80.35, the highest since May 1st. The July contract reported $79.89, up by 31 cents, a 0.4% increase.
(Adapted from reporting by Reuters)