Republican Congressman Mike Waltz has sparked outrage by appearing to welcome unconfirmed reports that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was harmed in a recent helicopter crash. The helicopter, carrying Raisi, went missing in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province amid adverse weather conditions, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation.
Reacting to the news, Congressman Waltz posted on social media, “Good riddance. Raisi was a murderous human rights abuser before and during his presidency.” He further suggested that the Iranian regime might blame Israel and the United States for the incident, using it as a pretext to justify its support for terrorism.
Waltz’s comments have drawn criticism for their insensitivity and for potentially escalating tensions during an already delicate situation. Many have condemned the remarks as inappropriate and counterproductive, especially as Iran grapples with the uncertainty surrounding its president’s fate.
The incident involving President Raisi has garnered significant international attention, with world leaders expressing concern and solidarity. The potential implications for Iran’s political stability are considerable, making the need for measured responses and diplomatic efforts crucial.
More than eight hours have passed since the disappearance of the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, with the search operation ongoing under increasingly challenging weather conditions. Reports indicate that heavy fog and rainfall have now turned into heavy snowfall, further complicating the rescue efforts in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.
In a show of international support, Turkey and Russia have dispatched mountain rescue teams to assist Iran in locating the missing helicopter. These teams, equipped with specialized skills and equipment, are expected to enhance their search capabilities in the rugged and snow-covered terrain.
Additionally, the European Union has activated its satellite mapping resources to aid in the search operation. This advanced technology will provide crucial aerial imagery and data, offering a broader view of the search area and potentially identifying locations that ground teams might miss.
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Stay tuned for ongoing LIVE reports about the crash.