Tinubu, UN, AU, and Arab Leaders Mourn Iranian President Raisi’s Death in Helicopter Crash
Tehran, Iran – President Bola Tinubu has joined global leaders, including those from Arab nations, the United Nations, and the African Union, in mourning the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash. Iranian state television reported the tragic incident early yesterday, describing Raisi's death as martyrdom and showing images of him accompanied by Quranic recitations. Flags in Iran were lowered to half-mast, and a black banner was displayed at a prominent Shiite shrine in Qom.
In a statement from his spokesman Chief Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu expressed profound sorrow and praised Raisi's dedication to Iran’s development. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and reassured Iran of Nigeria’s support during this difficult time, praying for the nation’s peace and stability.
Rescue efforts had been underway since Sunday afternoon when the helicopter, carrying Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials, went missing. State TV confirmed the crash and Raisi’s death early Monday.
Global Condolences
Leaders from various Arab countries expressed their sympathies. Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Egypt, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad conveyed their deepest condolences. Lebanon announced a three-day mourning period, and Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen mourned Raisi, emphasizing his support for their causes.
The African Union also extended its condolences, with AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressing deep shock and sorrow. He conveyed the African Union's solidarity with Iran during this period of grief.
Global allies, including Russia and China, as well as the UN Security Council, which observed a minute of silence, also offered their condolences. Palestinian group Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and Syria, amidst regional tensions, sent their sympathies.
U.S. Response
Despite the widespread condolences, the United States highlighted Raisi's controversial legacy. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby noted that Raisi had committed severe human rights abuses and supported hostile regional proxies. "This was a man who had a lot of blood on his hands," Kirby stated, referencing Raisi's history of atrocities and support for groups like Hamas.
