‘We had no part to play in Iran crash,’ US government speaks on President Raisi’s death

The United States government has broken the silence following the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of top Iranian officials including President Ebrahim Raisi.

While offering its condolences, Washington declared that it had no hand in the helicopter crash over the weekend that killed the Iranian leader and several others.

The US government also clarified that it was unable, due largely to logistical reasons, to accept an Iranian request for the unfortunate incident.

The spokesperson for the State Department, Matthew Miller told reporters at a news briefing, “We were asked for assistance by the Iranian government. We did make clear to them that we would offer assistance, as we would do in response to any request by a foreign government in this sort of situation.”

“Ultimately, largely for logistical reasons, we were unable to provide that assistance,” Miller said, without elaborating.

As of the time of this report, Iran has still not provided any official statement on the responsible reasons for the crash of the U.S.-made Bell 212 helicopter in mountains near the Azerbaijan border.

When asked if U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was worried that Tehran would place the blame on Washington, he responded, “The United States had no part to play in that crash.”

“I can’t speculate on what may have been the cause,” he added.

The crash comes at a time of growing dissent within Iran over an array of political, social and economic crises.

Recall that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died following a helicopter crash in north-western Iran on Sunday.

State media says the “hard landing” occurred as President Raisi was making his way to the city of Tabriz, after returning from the border with Azerbaijan.

With the death of the president confirmed, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, became the caretaker president, with elections mandated within 50 days.

Many African leaders, including President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria have extended their condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi; Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials in a helicopter crash.

The Nigerian president described the late President Raisi as a leader who was passionately committed to the development of Iran.

“While commiserating with the bereaved families, President Tinubu prays for the continuous peace, stability, and prosperity of the Iranian nation.”