US Reveals Iran Sought Help After Helicopter Crash Killing President Ebrahim Raisi

The United States announced on Monday that Iran, despite their longstanding enmity, sought assistance following a helicopter crash that resulted in the death of President Ebrahim Raisi. In a gesture of condolence, Washington expressed sympathy for the tragic event, even though it criticized Raisi for his past actions.

The State Department revealed that Iran reached out for help after Raisi’s helicopter went down in foggy conditions on Sunday. The two countries, which have had no diplomatic ties since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, communicated through undisclosed channels regarding the crash.

“We were asked by the Iranian government for assistance,” stated State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. “We indicated our willingness to assist, as we would with any government in such a situation.” However, logistical challenges ultimately prevented the US from providing help.

Miller did not detail the communications but suggested Iran needed immediate assistance to locate the downed helicopter. The crash also claimed the lives of Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and seven others.

This incident followed recent quiet talks between the US and Iran in Oman, aimed at promoting stability amid ongoing tensions with Israel. The State Department extended “official condolences” for the loss of life.

“As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” the statement added.

President Joe Biden’s administration clarified that offering condolences was a standard practice and did not signify support for Raisi, who had a controversial history, including overseeing mass executions and cracking down on protests during his presidency.

“This was a man who had a lot of blood on his hands,” commented National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, condemning Raisi’s human rights abuses. Nonetheless, Kirby acknowledged the general loss of life and deemed the condolences appropriate.

Historically, the US has sent condolences to leaders it opposed, such as Joseph Stalin, Kim Il Sung, and Fidel Castro. However, the recent condolence message, echoed by European nations, angered some critics of Iran’s regime. Women’s rights activist Masih Alinejad, who was targeted by an assassination plot allegedly orchestrated by Tehran, criticized the gesture, stating it “pours salt on the wounds of the oppressed.”

No ‘Security Impact’ 

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that US forces have not altered their stance following the crash, emphasizing that strategic decisions in Iran are made by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“I don’t necessarily see any broader regional security impact,” Austin said. He dismissed any US involvement in the crash, attributing it to possible causes like mechanical failure or pilot error.

Iran’s military has launched an investigation, though it has a history of attributing security incidents to Israel and the US, both of which have targeted Iranian interests in recent years.

Former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif attributed the crash to ongoing US sanctions, which have hindered the acquisition of aviation parts. Responding to Zarif’s claim, Miller stated: “Ultimately, it’s the Iranian government’s responsibility for flying a 45-year-old helicopter in poor weather conditions, not any other actor.