Who Put the President in the Coffin?

In the midst of a political, social and economic crisis, Iran was shaken by the news that President Ibrahim Reisi was killed in a tragic helicopter crash.

President Reisi was about to attend the inauguration ceremony of two new dams belonging to the Hudaferin and Giz Galasy hydroelectric power plants when this unfortunate incident caused great concern across the country.After the jaza near the village of Uzi, near the Arsbaran forests in the East Azerbaijan region of northern Iran, Iran's Mehr news agency reported that Reisi was in good health and on his way to Tabriz, but this information was later retracted. This has led to speculation about how the Iranian authorities will handle the incident without causing public concern.

The tragic helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ibrahim Reisi and other high-ranking officials has led to speculation about whether it was an accident or an assassination. Reisi, known for his closeness to Ali Khamenei, was a frequently criticized figure in Iran's domestic political struggles and a pacifist foreign policy stance.

The visit in January showed the positive results of strengthening relations with Turkey. Known for his death sentences and feared by the Iranian opposition, Reisi had been at odds with Qassem Soleimani. Soleimani's death may have been a relief for Reisi. The assassination attempt against Reisi is considered to be an indicator of the power struggle within the regime rather than an act of illegal anti-regime groups. Some factions in Iran's intelligence and military may have been behind the assassination, while Soleimani's troops may have sought revenge for the death of their commander.

Iranian aviation history has witnessed many tragic events since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. During this time, nearly 2,000 Iranian citizens have lost their lives in various air crashes, leading to national mourning as well as serious security concerns. The longstanding embargo on spare parts has weakened Iran's aviation infrastructure and prevented the modernization of its aircraft fleet. This has seriously jeopardized Iran's air transportation security. The most recent tragedy occurred when President Reisi and his delegation were traveling to Tabriz. Unfortunately, this trip, which was carried out in a US-made Bell 212 helicopter, which was subjected to years of wear and tear, ended in an accident. This incident once again highlighted the difficulties in Iran's aviation sector and the effects of international embargoes.

Under the administration of Iranian President Ibrahim Raeisi, doubts are growing as to whether the interests of the United States are being served. At the same time, it is possible that Turkey is reacting to the mutual bombings between Iran and Israel, which have been likened to a tent theater. On the other hand, it remains unclear whether Ayatollah Khamenei's stance and statements against the United States remain relevant.

The death of Iranian President Ibrahim Reisi in a tragic helicopter crash has plunged the country into a period of profound political reconstruction. Reisi was a staunch defender of the Iran nuclear deal, which agreed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. According to the analysis of political scientist and orientalist Elena Suponina, given Reisi's political profile, no significant changes in the political direction of the Islamic Republic of Iran are foreseen.

Mohammad Mohammad Mokhbir will take over the duties and powers of the Presidency as the First Vice President of Iran with the approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Appointed in 2021, he is currently serving as acting President of the Republic. In addition, Ali Baqeri, the deputy in charge of political affairs at the Foreign Ministry, was appointed by the Council of Ministers as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the death of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian in the same helicopter crash.

Ömür ÇELİKDÖNMEZ