On May 20, local time, according to Iranian state media reports, the wreckage of the helicopter in which Iranian President Raisi was traveling has been found, and all nine people on board, including Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, were killed. It is known that Iran has long suffered from Western sanctions, and all kinds of aircraft purchased in the early years have been in service for many years or are overaged, including the helicopter in which the president is flying.
Iranian planes "tear down the east wall and make up for the west wall" because Western sanctions are mostly "antiques"
According to Iranian state media, President Raisi is flying in a 40-year-old American-made Bell 212 multi-purpose aircraft, this helicopter is usually used for transportation, search and rescue and other tasks, because it can complete the flight in extremely bad weather conditions, is known for its ability to complete flights, is considered the best mid-size helicopter in the air. There are several Bell helicopters around the world that carry out missions for military and paramilitary units around the world.
Iran's ceremonial helicopter fleet consists of helicopters such as the Bell 212, 214 and Mi-17. The helicopters are normally supervised by the Iranian Air Force in the presidential hangar and are responsible for providing flight manoeuvring and flight services for senior Iranian officials.
Raisi's helicopter was purchased from Canada during former President Khatami's presidency. Khatami was Iran's president from 1997 to 2005, and Raisi's helicopter has been purchased for at least 20 years.
Iran uses many types of helicopters, civil aircraft and even fighter jets in China, because it has been subject to international sanctions for many years, it is difficult to obtain enough spare parts, and often "tear down the east wall to make up the west wall". Not so long ago, the Iranian Ministry of Defense delivered a batch of overhauled aircraft to the armed forces, including Boeing-747, C-130, Mirage series fighters.
Helicopters flying at lower altitudes increase the risk of encountering obstacles and make it more difficult to land. Rotor systems are complex and more prone to mechanical failures. In the event of an emergency, there is less room for error and a lower survival rate.
Bad weather, poor visibility, operational errors, and reduced aircraft handling performance are all possible causes of the crash. If it is confirmed that the helicopter is not properly maintained due to insufficient spare parts, directly or indirectly causing an accident that endangers the president's life, it will be the most painful price that Iran has paid so far for long-term sanctions by the United States and other Western countries.
Saudi Arabia and many other countries are concerned about the crash of the Iranian president
The accident involving the helicopter in which Iranian President Raisi was traveling has aroused great concern in the international community.
Several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and others, have expressed high concern about the incident and are ready to provide any assistance.
The U.S. side also said that it is closely monitoring the situation, and U.S. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the accident. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said there is no evidence that there was murder behind the accident; He also said that it was foggy at the time of the incident, so it looked like an accident.
Iranian President Raisi was killed, Foreign Ministry: The Chinese have lost a good friend
On May 20, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin held a regular press conference. Agence France-Presse reporter asked, what is the Chinese government's response to the death of Iranian President Raisi?
Wang Wenbin said that President Xi Jinping has sent a message of condolences to Iranian First Vice President Mohber, expressing deep condolences on behalf of the Chinese government and people over the death of President Raisi in the helicopter accident, and expressing sincere condolences to First Vice President Muhber, President Raisi's family, and the Iranian government and people.
President Xi Jinping pointed out that since taking office, President Raisi has made important contributions to maintaining Iran's security and stability and promoting national development and prosperity, and has also made positive efforts to consolidate and develop the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. His tragic death is a great loss to the Iranian people and a great loss to the Chinese people. The Chinese Government and the Chinese people greatly cherish the traditional friendship between China and Iran, and believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Iran will continue to consolidate and develop.
Wang Wenbin said that China also expresses deep condolences over the tragic death of Foreign Minister Abdollahian and expresses sincere condolences to Foreign Minister Abdollahian's family. After the accident, the Chinese side expressed its concern and concern for the Iranian side, and we are ready to continue to provide all necessary support and assistance to the Iranian side. China will continue to support the Iranian Government and people in safeguarding independence, stability and development, and stands ready to work with Iran to further deepen the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership.
Source: Phoenix Satellite TV Information Channel
Editor: Wanqing