Weather and Weight Factors Blamed for Iran Helicopter Crash

The helicopter crash that led to Iran President Ebrahim Raisi's death was attributed to weather conditions and overloading, according to a semi-official news report. The Armed Forces General Staff disputed these claims, stating that their initial findings showed no foul play. The final report indicated an accident due to adverse weather and weight issues.

The helicopter crash that took the life of Iran's late President Ebrahim Raisi in May was a result of adverse weather conditions and the helicopter being overloaded, according to a report released by Iran's semi-official news agency on Wednesday.

Contrary to these findings, the Armed Forces General Staff's communications center described the report as 'completely false,' with state media confirming this stance. Initial military investigations in May had found no evidence of foul play or an attack.

'The investigation into Ayatollah Raisi's helicopter crash is complete, confirming it was an accident,' said an unnamed security source in the report. The source cited two main causes: the helicopter's inability to manage the weight and unsuitable weather conditions. The helicopter, carrying two people more than capacity protocols allowed, crashed into a mountain in a region near the Azerbaijan border.

(With inputs from agencies.)