US says Iran sought help over helicopter crash.
The US disclosed on Monday that Iran sought help after a helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and seven others.
The crash occurred in foggy conditions on Sunday, prompting the Iranian government to reach out to the US despite the lack of diplomatic relations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
US Willing to Assist but Faces Logistical Challenges:
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed Iran’s request for help.
“We said that we would be willing to assist — something that we would do with respect to any government in this situation,” Miller said.
However, logistical issues prevented the US from providing the requested assistance. Details about the communication between the two nations were not disclosed, but it was indicated that Iran sought immediate help to locate the downed helicopter.
Condolences Amidst Tense Relations:
In light of the crash, the State Department issued a statement offering “official condolences” for the deaths.
President Joe Biden’s administration clarified that this gesture was standard diplomatic practice and not an endorsement of Raisi, who has a contentious history, including overseeing mass executions and suppressing protests during his tenure as a judge and president.
“This was a man who had a lot of blood on his hands,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated, highlighting Raisi’s human rights abuses.
Kirby added, “As in any other case, we certainly regret in general the loss of life and offered official condolences as appropriate.”
US-Iran Talks and Blame Over Sanctions:
The helicopter crash occurred following discreet negotiations between the US and Iran in Oman, aimed at increasing stability in the region amid ongoing conflicts between Iran and Israel.
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blamed the crash on continued US sanctions, which he claimed have hindered Iran’s ability to procure aviation parts.
Responding to Zarif’s accusations, Miller emphasized that the Iranian government was responsible for choosing to fly a 45-year-old helicopter in poor weather conditions, not external sanctions.
“Ultimately, it’s the Iranian government that is responsible for the decision to fly a 45-year-old helicopter in what was described as poor weather conditions, not any other actor,” Miller stated.
Huge crowd in Tabriz, northwestern #Iran, attended the mourning service of the 8 martyrs of the president Raisi’s deadly helicopter crash. pic.twitter.com/Q98PCsJxmP
— IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) May 21, 2024
