Earthquake Struck Iran After President’s Death In Helicopter Crash

A 3.7-magnitude earthquake struck Malayer, a city in western Iran, today as the nation mourns President Ebrahim Raisi’s death.

According to the Seismological Centre of the Geophysics Institute of the University of Tehran, the earthquake occurred at 08:20:52 local time, at a depth of 10 kilometres.

The tremor’s epicentre was nine kilometres from Samen, 18 kilometres from Malayer, and 18 from Oshtorinan.

No immediate reports of casualties or damage have been released, but the quake added to the sombre atmosphere prevailing across Iran.

The earthquake came just a day after President Raisi and his entourage died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Iran’s former Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has blamed U.S. sanctions for contributing to the helicopter crash that claimed the President and all other members onboard.

In the wake of the tragedy, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared five days of national mourning.

Addressing the nation, Khamenei expressed deep condolences, stating, “I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran.”

He also referenced Article 131 of the Iranian Constitution, stating that Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is now responsible for managing the executive arm of the government.

Mokhber is to coordinate with the heads of the legislative and judicial branches to organise a presidential election within 50 days.

Khamenei lauded President Raisi as “a sincere and valuable servant,” emphasising his dedication to the welfare of the Iranian people.

“For him, the goodness and satisfaction of the people, which indicates God’s satisfaction, was preferred over everything,” Khamenei said, noting that Raisi’s commitment to improving the nation remained steadfast despite criticism.

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