Belarus President Blames Western Sanctions for Iran President’s Helicopter Crash
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has asserted that Western sanctions played a role in the helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. In a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko condemned the sanctions imposed on Iran, particularly those targeting transportation.
According to Lukashenko, the sanctions barred companies from servicing aircraft used for transporting people, including the helicopter used by Raisi. He contended that this prohibition contributed to the lack of proper maintenance and ultimately the crash.
Lukashenko emphasized that the age of the helicopter, which was reportedly between 40 and 50 years old, was immaterial. He argued that regular servicing would have ensured its safety, but this was prevented by the sanctions.
Preliminary Report Suggests No Foul Play
Meanwhile, a preliminary report released by Iran’s armed forces found no evidence of external impact on the helicopter wreckage. The report indicated that the helicopter was flying on a pre-planned route and did not deviate before the crash. The wreckage was discovered by Iranian drones, but search and rescue efforts were hindered by challenging terrain, fog, and low temperatures.
The Iranian military stated that further investigation is required to determine the exact cause of the crash and that additional details will be released later.
