Johnathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa has mourned the death that claimed the lives of Iranian president Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and personnel on Sunday evening.
This , after authorities confirmed the discovery of the bodies of the government officials on Monday morning. The incident occurred in the country’s northwest region close to the border with Azerbaijan, following what has been preliminary described as an accidental hard landing following poor weather.
President Ramaphosa expressed his shock and compassion for all those who have been affected by the tragic loss.
“This is an extraordinary, unthinkable tragedy that has claimed the life of a remarkable leader of a nation with whom South Africa enjoys strong bilateral relations. Our hearts go out to the affected families and the administration of the Islamic republic of Iran,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa, as deputy president, visited the country in November 2015, and Iran was recently welcomed as a new member to BRICS Plus last year.
However, concerns are mounting as the crash comes at an especially fragile moment in the region, with war raging in Gaza and youth-led protests against worsening economic conditions increasing.
Last month, President Raisi ordered an attack on Israel, after an alleged strike on Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus, which left 13 dead, including a commander and his deputy.
The former judicial head, Raisi has been viewed as a protege of the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamanei. He was elected president in 2021 and has become controversial for his tightening of morality laws, brutal crackdown on protests and has adopted a tough approach to nuclear talks with the West.
Iran’s vice first president is expected to take over, in accordance with the country’s constitution, with a new presidential election to be held within 50 days.
State media reported that first vice president Mohammad Mokhber has begun communication in Raisi’s absence and the cabinet announced that the Iranian government would continue to operate without disruption.
“We assure the loyal nation that the path of service will continue with the tireless spirit of Ayatollah Raisi,” said the statement.
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