Iranian President Raisi feared dead after helicopter debris found

The accident comes at a time when discontent is growing within Iran over multiple political, social and economic crises. Iran's clerical rulers are facing international pressure over Tehran's controversial nuclear program and its deepening military ties with Russia during the war in Ukraine.

Since Iran's ally Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, provoking Israel's attack on Gaza, confrontations involving Iran-aligned groups erupted across the Middle East.

In Iran's dual political system, which is divided between the clerical establishment and the government, it is Raisi's 85-year-old mentor Khamenei, supreme leader since 1989, who has the power to decide on all major policies.

Over the years Raisi has been seen by many as Khamenei's successor, having supported Raisi's main policies.

Raisi's victory in a closely managed election in 2021 brought all branches of power under hard-liners' control, eight years after pragmatist Hassan Rouhani took over the presidency and negotiated a nuclear deal with powers including Washington.

However, Raisi's position may have been damaged by widespread protests against clerical rule and the failure to turn around Iran's economy hit by Western sanctions.

Raisi was at the Azerbaijani border on Sunday to inaugurate the Qiz-Kalasi Dam, a joint project. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, who said he had bid Raisi a “friendly farewell” earlier in the day, offered assistance in the rescue.

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