From Mossad assassination to space lasers: The top conspiracy theories around Raisi’s death
Following Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash, social media has been rife with conspiracy theories. From the US and Israel’s hand in the ‘assassination’ to the use of space lasers, we explain what has gripped the imagination of the people
read more
Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were found dead Monday after their helicopter crashed, reportedly in foggy conditions. The incident has left Iran without two key leaders at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Iran has launched a probe into the deaths of the top leaders of the country. An official cause for the crash has not been offered.
Within hours of Raisi’s death being announced, speculation and conspiracy theories about the cause and party responsible for it were rife. ranging from Israel and United States’ involvement to use of hi-tech laser weapons.
What happened
The crash occurred in mountainous terrain, enveloped in sudden and intense fog, killing all eight people aboard the Bell 212 helicopter. This aircraft, purchased by Iran in the early 2000s, was carrying not only Raisi and Amirabdollahian but also other notable figures including the governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, a senior cleric from Tabriz, a Revolutionary Guard official, and three crew members. The state-run IRNA news agency has confirmed these details.
Blame on US embargo
Iranian officials have attributed the crash to the US embargo on aircraft and aviation parts, which has significantly impacted the maintenance and safety of Iran’s aviation fleet. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif pointed to the embargo, arguing that the US sanctions were indirectly responsible for the tragedy by depriving Iran of necessary aviation parts and safety checks.
Israeli involvement?
Another widespread theory speculates that the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, known for its ability to execute operations inside Iran, was behind the crash. This theory is fuelled by Israel’s historical operations targeting Iranian military and nuclear personnel.
However, experts find this theory unlikely. Assassinating a sitting president would constitute a direct act of war, potentially provoking a severe response from Iran. Israel’s strategic focus has traditionally been on military and nuclear targets rather than high-profile political figures. “There are strong reasons to doubt Israel’s involvement,” noted a report in The Economist. “It has never gone so far as to assassinate a head of state, an unequivocal act of war that would invite a fierce Iranian response.”
Internal power struggles
Speculation also surrounds internal power struggles within Iran. With Raisi being a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his death has sparked theories about rival factions vying for control. Some believe Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader’s son and another contender for leadership, could have been involved. “If Raisi is indeed dead, the key takeaway is the fact that the next Supreme Leader is most likely Ali Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei,” Gabriel Noronha, a former advisor on Iran to the US State Department, wrote in a post on X.
If Raisi is indeed dead, the key takeaway is not really who succeeds him (that’s the 1st VP Mohammad Mokhber, but only as a caretaker for 50 days before an election).
It’s the fact that the next Supreme Leader is most likely Ali Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Internal… pic.twitter.com/frBnFpHmop
— Gabriel Noronha (@GLNoronha) May 19, 2024
Social media speculations
Social media has been rife with various theories, ranging from plausible to outlandish. One user questioned the official narrative, pointing out that two other helicopters in the same convoy landed safely despite the bad weather. This has led some to doubt the accident explanation entirely, suggesting sabotage instead. “Could be any of a dozen countries to be honest. The only thing I 100% don’t believe is that it was an accident,” one user wrote.
Laser weapons in space
A particularly sensational conspiracy theory says that directed energy weapons, such as space lasers, were used to bring down the helicopter. This theory is quite popular on platforms like X. “If nobody else is going to say it then I will. The president of Iran obviously had his helicopter shot out of the sky by a space laser,” asserted a user who goes by Diana Wallace. There were several other tweets along these lines, most having the same accompanying picture. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, and it remains in the realm of conspiracy without factual backing.
If nobody else is going to say it then I will.
The president of Iran obviously had his helicopter shot out of the sky by a space laser! pic.twitter.com/vLCgsHvDwn
— Diana Wallace (@DianaWallace888) May 20, 2024
Counterpoints to theories
Despite the proliferation of these theories, there are counterpoints and factual challenges to consider. The intense fog and mountainous terrain provide a plausible explanation for the crash without the need for external interference. Additionally, the advanced age and maintenance issues of Iran’s aviation fleet, exacerbated by sanctions, could logically account for the crash. The Bell 212 helicopter model, extensively used since the shah’s era, faces a shortage of parts and often flies without safety checks, as highlighted by IRNA.
