Iran’s Request for Assistance in Response to President’s Helicopter Death Denied by US
State Department faces backlash from Republican lawmakers for offering condolences to Iran following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, labeled as the ‘Butcher of Tehran’ by dissidents.
Iran made a rare request for help from the United States after a helicopter crash killed its president, Ebrahim Raisi, on May 19 near the Iran-Azerbaijan border. The crash also claimed the lives of seven others, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, but the cause remains unknown.
During a press briefing on May 20, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller disclosed the request for assistance from the Iranian government, which was declined based on logistical issues.
Despite the controversy surrounding Mr. Raisi’s presidency, the United Nations paid respects to his passing by lowering flags at its New York headquarters. The State Department also released a statement offering condolences for those affected by the tragic helicopter crash.
However, some Republican lawmakers criticized the move, arguing that Mr. Raisi’s oppressive regime and involvement in atrocities should not warrant sympathies from the United States.
In response, Mr. Miller defended the gesture, emphasizing that it in no way changes the U.S. stance towards Iran and acknowledging Mr. Raisi’s history of human rights abuses.
