DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hard-line protege of the country’s supreme leader who helped oversee the mass executions of thousands in 1988 and later led the country as it enriched uranium near weapons-grade levels, launched a major attack on Israel and experienced mass protests, has died. He was 63.
Raisi’s death, along with the foreign minister and other officials in a helicopter crash Sunday in northwestern Iran, came as Iran struggles with internal dissent and its relations with the wider world. A cleric first, Raisi once kissed the Quran, the Islamic holy book, before the United Nations and spoke more like a preacher than a statesman when addressing the world.
'Real life' Martha from Baby Reindeer's million
Winner of North Macedonia's parliamentary election to seek governing coalition partner
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
Sanchez grabs biggest career win on Giro Stage 6 and Pogacar stays in front
Terrifying moment furious driver swings steering wheel lock at motorcyclist in road rage row
Walkers confirms major change to popular crisps
Digital technologies restore looks of 2,200
West Midlands mayoral hopeful in fake video row over 'racist teacher'
Climber found dead on Denali, North America's tallest peak
University professor is fired after being caught upskirting women with hidden camera on his SHOE