The second report on the helicopter crash involving the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi confirmed that there was no evidence of sabotage in the presidential chopper.
The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces issued the report on Wednesday, as reported by IRNA.
The tragic incident, which took place on May 19, resulted in the deaths of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and seven others. Following thorough sampling and testing on the wreckage and helicopter parts, experts concluded that sabotage was not a factor.
Authorities also examined the debris distribution pattern to determine if there was any indication of an explosion caused by sabotage.
Iran denies any cyberattack involvement
Prior to releasing the second report, Iranian authorities meticulously reviewed numerous documents related to helicopter maintenance. After a comprehensive investigation, it was determined that the helicopter was in good condition and operating within permissible limits.
Analysis of the recorded conversation between the flight crew revealed the last contact with Iranian authorities before the crash. Investigators noted that the pilots ceased communication 69 seconds before the crash, with no emergency declaration made during that time.
According to IRNA, military investigators dismissed any communication system disruptions or frequency interference. The report also stated that there was no evidence of a cyberattack targeting the presidential helicopter.
Authorities have committed to continuing the investigation until the root cause of the crash is identified.
Race for Raisi’s successor begins
Iran officially opened registration for presidential candidates on Thursday, ahead of the upcoming snap elections scheduled for next month. Potential candidates will have five days to register.
Instead of holding the scheduled elections in 2023, the authorities were compelled to expedite the process due to Raisi’s demise. Following the event, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic, appointed Mohammad Mokhber, the first vice president, as the interim president in line with the constitution.
According to the IRNA, approximately 30 individuals have currently come forward to apply for candidacy, but none of them have fulfilled the fundamental requirements for qualification.
