White House denies that sanctions on Iran caused the death of President Raisi

Two days after the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, investigators are trying to determine the cause of the explosion of the helicopter, a model that has existed for several decades.

According to authorities, it is too early to conclude whether sabotage occurred, and early indications suggest that the accident was due to fog.

Russia and former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif accused the United States of having caused the disaster with its sanctions on Iran, preventing proper maintenance of the helicopter.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said: “Javad Zarif expressed exactly this version, accusing the United States of, in fact, putting people’s lives at risk by introducing sanctions, including a ban on the supply of spare parts for American aircraft. “

The White House categorically rejected these accusations, and confirmed that the United States cannot assist Iran in the investigation, after its request, for logistical reasons.

John Kirby of the National Security Council said:

“Every country, no matter who it is, has its own responsibility to ensure the safety and reliability of its equipment, and that includes civil aviation.”

Adding: “It is unfortunate, but not surprising, that the Iranian regime once again finds a way to try to blame the United States for the problems it itself has created.”

Meanwhile, five days of mourning began this Tuesday in Iran. Raisi’s body has already arrived in Tehran for his funeral, while analysts try to decipher what the political future of that country could be.

Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group said:

“Iran will now focus internally, at least for several weeks, while the presidential elections are held. And all of that means that the White House should be less concerned about Iran’s escalation on the nuclear front or in the region, because it simply does not have “enough bandwidth.”

As confirmed by the Pentagon, Iranian foreign policy will hardly change: Tehran remains a major financier of groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, continues to develop its nuclear program and remains a major enemy of the United States and Israel.

At the same time, Iran under Raisi had shown a moderate side. Last week, Iranian intermediaries met with the US to ensure that the war in Gaza was not a prelude to a broader war in the Middle East. The question now is whether the new president, who will almost certainly be in Raisi’s line, will show similar caution.