State Department Mourns Death of Iranian President?

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died this week alongside Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash in Iran's remote northwest. The president's death has resulted in criticism of the United States' foreign policy, and a vacancy that pundits argue will result in more extremism, while Republicans argue that it creates an opportunity for the country to denounce extremism. The U.S. State Department has issued a statement of condolences, and Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) is questioning why the State Department would be mourning the death of the Iranian president.

Through a statement shared from Matthew Miller, a spokesperson from the State Department, "the United States expresses its official condolences for the death of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and other members of their delegation in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran."

The statement also shares "support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms."

In response to the statement, Senator Scott questioned the need for mourning the death of the Iranian president, calling it "a disgrace." "Since when does the United States issue a statement of condolence for a terrorist? It should read: The world is a better place with Raisi dead."

Former Foreign Minister Javad Zarif commented on Iran's state TV that the U.S. and its sanctions against Iran are to blame for the helicopter crash.

“One of the causes of this heart-breaking incident is the United States, which by sanctioning the sale of the aviation industry to Iran caused the martyrdom of the president and his companions. The US’s crime will be recorded in the minds of the Iranian people and history.”

Mohammad Mokhber, President Raisi's vice president, has since assumed power. He was approved on Monday as the acting president by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran must now hold elections within the next 50 days. On Monday, IRNA, the state news, announced that the country's presidential elections will take place on Friday, June 28th.