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<p>Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister&nbsp;Hossein Amirabdollahian&nbsp;died in a helicopter crash in&nbsp;mountainous terrain and icy weather, Iranian media reported on Monday&nbsp;(May 20). Iran's Mehr news agency&nbsp;confirmed the deaths, reporting that "all passengers of the helicopter carrying the Iranian president and foreign minister&nbsp;were martyred."</p>

<p>Later,&nbsp;Deputy President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri also confirmed the deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p>State TV reported that images from the crash site showed that the helicopter&nbsp;slammed into a mountain peak. Raisi,&nbsp;Amirabdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and other Iranian officials were onboard the&nbsp;US-made Bell 212 helicopter.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi-helicopter-crash-live-updates-no-survivors-found-at-sight-of-wreckage-723258"><strong>Click here to follow all updates on the helicopter crash that killed Ebrahim Raisi</strong></a></p>

<p>Raisi, 63, became Iran's president&nbsp;in 2021&nbsp;and&nbsp;his&nbsp;term so far was marked by tightening&nbsp;of&nbsp;morality laws,&nbsp;a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests, and an intensification in nuclear talks with world powers.</p>

<h2><strong>A timeline of what led to the tragic crash:</strong></h2>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Ebrahim Raisi<strong>&nbsp;</strong>was inaugurating a joint dam project&nbsp;with Azerbaijan on Sunday on the shared border before he and others boarded a helicopter that made a hard landing in heavy fog on the return journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Raisi's convoy included&nbsp;three helicopters. Two of these helicopters&nbsp;landed safely in the northwestern city of Tabriz.&nbsp;However, the&nbsp;helicopter&nbsp;that was carrying the 63-year-old crashed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Iranian media reported that the helicopter crashed&nbsp;in the Jolfa region of East Azerbaijan province amid poor weather conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebrahim-raisi-dies-in-helicopter-crash-all-about-vietnam-war-era-chopper-carrying-the-iran-president-723304">Ebrahim Raisi dies in helicopter crash: All about Vietnam war-era chopper carrying the Iran president</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Speaking to the news agency Reuters, an Iranian official had said that the lives of Raisi and&nbsp;Amirabdollahian were at risk following the crash.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Iranian media&nbsp;shared multiple images of what appeared to be the&nbsp;wreckage of the helicopter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;A total of&nbsp;73 rescue teams were dispatched for the search and rescue operations. However, the poor weather conditions were hampering their efforts.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian killed in chopper crash</strong></p>

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<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Early Monday,&nbsp;Iran's Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand said rescue teams had located the helicopter and were heading towards the site.&nbsp;Iranian media, meanwhile, said that&nbsp;there were no signs of life among the passengers.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Later in the day, state media confirmed that Raisi,&nbsp;Amirabdollahian, and all other passengers onboard the aircraft died.&nbsp;This development&nbsp;was also confirmed&nbsp;by Iran's&nbsp;Deputy President for Executive Affairs&nbsp;Mohsen&nbsp;Mansouri.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Mohammad Mokhber, 68, Iran's&nbsp;vice president,&nbsp;&nbsp;is expected to become interim president following the death of Raisi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian died in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain and icy weather, Iranian media reported on Monday (May 20).

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian died in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain and icy weather, Iranian media reported on Monday (May 20). Iran's Mehr news agency confirmed the deaths, reporting that "all passengers of the helicopter carrying the Iranian president and foreign minister were martyred." Later, Deputy President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri also confirmed the deaths. State TV reported that images from the crash site showed that the helicopter slammed into a mountain peak. Raisi, Amirabdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and other Iranian officials were onboard the US-made Bell 212 helicopter. Click here to follow all updates on the helicopter crash that killed Ebrahim Raisi Raisi, 63, became Iran's president in 2021 and his term so far was marked by tightening of morality laws, a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests, and an intensification in nuclear talks with world powers. A timeline of what led to the tragic crash: > Ebrahim Raisi was inaugurating a joint dam project with Azerbaijan on Sunday on the shared border before he and others boarded a helicopter that made a hard landing in heavy fog on the return journey. > Raisi's convoy included three helicopters. Two of these helicopters landed safely in the northwestern city of Tabriz. However, the helicopter that was carrying the 63-year-old crashed. > Iranian media reported that the helicopter crashed in the Jolfa region of East Azerbaijan province amid poor weather conditions. Also read | Ebrahim Raisi dies in helicopter crash: All about Vietnam war-era chopper carrying the Iran president > Speaking to the news agency Reuters, an Iranian official had said that the lives of Raisi and Amirabdollahian were at risk following the crash. > Iranian media shared multiple images of what appeared to be the wreckage of the helicopter. > A total of 73 rescue teams were dispatched for the search and rescue operations. However, the poor weather conditions were hampering their efforts. Also watch | Iran President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian killed in chopper crash × > Early Monday, Iran's Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand said rescue teams had located the helicopter and were heading towards the site. Iranian media, meanwhile, said that there were no signs of life among the passengers. > Later in the day, state media confirmed that Raisi, Amirabdollahian, and all other passengers onboard the aircraft died. This development was also confirmed by Iran's Deputy President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri. > Mohammad Mokhber, 68, Iran's vice president, is expected to become interim president following the death of Raisi. (With inputs from agencies)

Ebrahim Raisi helicopter crash: A timeline of how the Iranian president died

<p>A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed on Sunday (May 19) when it was crossing a mountainous terrain, an Iranian official told the news agency Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports emerged that the helicopter was found by search teams, but&nbsp;&nbsp;Red Crescent refuted them stating that it has not been found yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An unnamed Iranian official also told state TV that contact has been made with one passenger and one crew member who were on the helicopter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-expresses-deep-concerns-over-iranian-president-raisis-helicopter-crash-723180">PM Modi, world leaders express deep concern over Iranian President Raisi’s helicopter crash</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Iranian officials have spoken to two people on the same helicopter as President Raisi since it crashed, Iranian Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri told the country's semi-official FARS news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mansouri said that because officials made contact "several times" with a passenger and member of the flight crew shortly after the crash, "It appears that the incident was not severe".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three helicopters were flying on the same route before two of them lost contact with Raisi's helicopter, Mansouri said.</p>

<p>"The Ministry of Communications and other security agencies have identified the incident area within a 2-kilometre radius. Due to weather conditions, access to the area is challenging," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Khamenei prays for Raisi's return&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, said, "We hope that God the almighty returns the dear president and his colleagues in full health to the arms of the nation. (Audience saying Amen!)"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"(People) must be assured that there will be no disturbances in the country's affairs," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We hope Almighty God will return the respected, esteemed President and his entourage to the arms of the nation.</p>
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/1792247260920566015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Eveyone should pray for the health of these people who are serving the Iranian nation. The nation doesn't need to be worried or anxious as the administration of the country will not be disrupted at all.</p>
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/1792249704199213321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, one official said the lives of Raisi and the foreign minister were "at risk following the helicopter crash". "We are still hopeful but information coming from the crash site is very concerning," said the official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raisi was&nbsp;reportedly returning from the Khoda Afarin region in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azarbaijan after inaugurating a dam at the common border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, reported Tasnim news agency, but the state media didn't share details of what exactly happened to the helicopter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">‼️🇮🇷Breaking | The video before the helicopter crash has come out..!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a><br />
<a href="https://t.co/Q3AIhNJP9s">pic.twitter.com/Q3AIhNJP9s</a></p>
— Javeria Sultan (@javeria_sultan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/javeria_sultan1/status/1792225135824363630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to state TV, the area where the incident happened was near Jolfa, a city on the border with the nation of Azerbaijan, which is around 600 kilometres northwest of the Iranian capital, Tehran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The helicopter crashed close to a copper mine called Sungun, which is located between Jofa and Varzaqan in the East Azerbaijan province of Iran.</p>

<p>The region is between 70 kilometres and 100 kilometres away from the city of Tabriz, the city where the president and FM were reportedly headed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-pro-palestinian-protesters-arrested-after-clashing-with-police-in-new-york-723073">Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested after clashing with police in New York</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Search operation on,&nbsp;40 rapid response teams&nbsp;in action&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As per Tasnim News Agency, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society Pir Hossein Kolivand stated that 40 rapid response teams from the IRCS are currently conducting search operations in the location amid extremely unfavourable weather conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are making every effort to carry out the necessary actions" despite the fact that the terrain is difficult to navigate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have utilised drones and aerial measures, but due to the poor weather conditions, aerial search operations are not feasible. The area is rugged and mountainous," the IRCS Chief said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have also dispatched forces from specific provinces to ensure that more personnel are on-site," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Iranian army's chief of staff also ordered the utilisation of all army and Iranian guard resources in the search efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>'Pray for Raisi'</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Iran's semi-official Fars news agency urged the Iranians to pray for Raisi. Video released by state TV showed worshippers praying for the president’s health in the city of Mashhad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ilham Aliyev, the president of Azerbaijan, released a statement after the crash, "Today, after a friendly meeting with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, the news of the emergency landing of the helicopter carrying the Iranian high delegation caused great concern."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our prayers to Almighty God are with President Ebrahim Raisi and his accompanying delegation. As a neighbor, friend and brother country, the Republic of Azerbaijan is ready to provide all kinds of support," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Ilham Aliyev" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2365f95-c5e6-43fa-bc3f-425e33b3f48f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ilham%20Aliyev.png" /></p>

<p>Apart from Raisi and the FM, Seyyed Mohammad-Ali Al-Hashem, Tabriz's Friday Prayer Imam was reportedly on the helicopter with the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raisi had been in Azerbaijan early Sunday to inaugurate a dam with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev. The dam is the third one that the two nations built on the Aras River.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed on Sunday (May 19) when it was crossing a mountainous terrain, an Iranian official told the news agency Reuters.

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed on Sunday (May 19) when it was crossing a mountainous terrain, an Iranian official told the news agency Reuters. Reports emerged that the helicopter was found by search teams, but Red Crescent refuted them stating that it has not been found yet. An unnamed Iranian official also told state TV that contact has been made with one passenger and one crew member who were on the helicopter. Also read: PM Modi, world leaders express deep concern over Iranian President Raisi’s helicopter crash Iranian officials have spoken to two people on the same helicopter as President Raisi since it crashed, Iranian Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri told the country's semi-official FARS news agency. Mansouri said that because officials made contact "several times" with a passenger and member of the flight crew shortly after the crash, "It appears that the incident was not severe". Three helicopters were flying on the same route before two of them lost contact with Raisi's helicopter, Mansouri said. "The Ministry of Communications and other security agencies have identified the incident area within a 2-kilometre radius. Due to weather conditions, access to the area is challenging," he said. Khamenei prays for Raisi's return Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, said, "We hope that God the almighty returns the dear president and his colleagues in full health to the arms of the nation. (Audience saying Amen!)" "(People) must be assured that there will be no disturbances in the country's affairs," he added. We hope Almighty God will return the respected, esteemed President and his entourage to the arms of the nation. — Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) May 19, 2024 × Eveyone should pray for the health of these people who are serving the Iranian nation. The nation doesn't need to be worried or anxious as the administration of the country will not be disrupted at all. — Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) May 19, 2024 × Earlier, one official said the lives of Raisi and the foreign minister were "at risk following the helicopter crash". "We are still hopeful but information coming from the crash site is very concerning," said the official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Raisi was reportedly returning from the Khoda Afarin region in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azarbaijan after inaugurating a dam at the common border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, reported Tasnim news agency, but the state media didn't share details of what exactly happened to the helicopter. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. ‼️🇮🇷Breaking | The video before the helicopter crash has come out..!!#Iran pic.twitter.com/Q3AIhNJP9s — Javeria Sultan (@javeria_sultan1) May 19, 2024 × According to state TV, the area where the incident happened was near Jolfa, a city on the border with the nation of Azerbaijan, which is around 600 kilometres northwest of the Iranian capital, Tehran. The helicopter crashed close to a copper mine called Sungun, which is located between Jofa and Varzaqan in the East Azerbaijan province of Iran. The region is between 70 kilometres and 100 kilometres away from the city of Tabriz, the city where the president and FM were reportedly headed. Also read: Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested after clashing with police in New York Search operation on, 40 rapid response teams in action As per Tasnim News Agency, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society Pir Hossein Kolivand stated that 40 rapid response teams from the IRCS are currently conducting search operations in the location amid extremely unfavourable weather conditions. "We are making every effort to carry out the necessary actions" despite the fact that the terrain is difficult to navigate. "We have utilised drones and aerial measures, but due to the poor weather conditions, aerial search operations are not feasible. The area is rugged and mountainous," the IRCS Chief said. "We have also dispatched forces from specific provinces to ensure that more personnel are on-site," he added. The Iranian army's chief of staff also ordered the utilisation of all army and Iranian guard resources in the search efforts. Watch this report: × 'Pray for Raisi' Iran's semi-official Fars news agency urged the Iranians to pray for Raisi. Video released by state TV showed worshippers praying for the president’s health in the city of Mashhad. Ilham Aliyev, the president of Azerbaijan, released a statement after the crash, "Today, after a friendly meeting with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, the news of the emergency landing of the helicopter carrying the Iranian high delegation caused great concern." "Our prayers to Almighty God are with President Ebrahim Raisi and his accompanying delegation. As a neighbor, friend and brother country, the Republic of Azerbaijan is ready to provide all kinds of support," he added. Apart from Raisi and the FM, Seyyed Mohammad-Ali Al-Hashem, Tabriz's Friday Prayer Imam was reportedly on the helicopter with the president. Raisi had been in Azerbaijan early Sunday to inaugurate a dam with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev. The dam is the third one that the two nations built on the Aras River. (With inputs from agencies)

Iranian president Raisi’s helicopter crashes; Khamenei prays, assures no disruption in country’s affairs

<p>Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister&nbsp;Amir-Abdollahian died in a helicopter crash in a mountainous northwestern region, according to media reports on Monday (May 20). However, there is no official confirmation on the matter. Earlier, rescue teams located the helicopter&nbsp;but no signs of life had been detected.</p>

<p>India is voting in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday. Voting is taking place in 49 constituencies across eight states and Union Territories (UTs).&nbsp;On Sunday, electoral officials were seen queued at polling material distribution centres to prepare for the phase.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, the Joe Biden-led US administration appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to link the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip with&nbsp;"political strategy" of the Palestinian territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi-helicopter-crash-live-updates-no-survivors-found-at-sight-of-wreckage-723258"><strong>Iran president Ebrahim Raisi helicopter crash LIVE updates: Raisi reported dead</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/20/432526-the-battle-for-kyiv1.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister&nbsp;Hossein Amir-Abdollahian are reported to be dead in the helicopter crash.&nbsp;Article 131 of the Iranian constitution stipulates that the first vice president assumes the role of acting president in case the Iranian president dies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-phase-5-live-voting-updates-723174">Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 5 LIVE: Polling begins in 49 constituencies across 8 states, UTs</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/19/432482-lok-sabha-ealections-2024.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Voting is taking place for the&nbsp;fifth phase of the general elections in 49 constituencies in six states and two UTs of India.&nbsp;The fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections will decide the electoral fate of several prominent leaders like former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani</p>

<p><br />
<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nsa-appeals-netanyahu-to-link-gaza-war-with-political-strategy-for-enclaves-future-723261">US NSA appeals Netanyahu to link Gaza war with 'political strategy' for enclave's future</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/20/432524-untitled-design-95.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>United States President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to link the ongoing Gaza war with a "political strategy" for the future of the territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lai-ching-te-swears-in-as-taiwans-new-president-723253">Lai Ching-te sworn in as Taiwan's new president, US attends ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/20/432518-taiwans-new-president-lai-ching-te.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Lai Ching-te on Monday (May 20) was sworn in as Taiwan's new president.&nbsp;Thousands of people congregated in front of the&nbsp;Presidential Office Building in Taipei to witness the inauguration ceremony.&nbsp;After taking office, Lai, who is seen as a moderate figure, called on China to 'cease political and military intimidation'.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;AI-boom leaves mega Indian software stocks in the dust</strong></p>

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian died in a helicopter crash in a mountainous northwestern region, according to media reports on Monday (May 20).

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian died in a helicopter crash in a mountainous northwestern region, according to media reports on Monday (May 20). However, there is no official confirmation on the matter. Earlier, rescue teams located the helicopter but no signs of life had been detected. India is voting in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday. Voting is taking place in 49 constituencies across eight states and Union Territories (UTs). On Sunday, electoral officials were seen queued at polling material distribution centres to prepare for the phase. In other news from around the world, the Joe Biden-led US administration appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to link the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip with "political strategy" of the Palestinian territory. Click on the headlines to read more: Iran president Ebrahim Raisi helicopter crash LIVE updates: Raisi reported dead Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian are reported to be dead in the helicopter crash. Article 131 of the Iranian constitution stipulates that the first vice president assumes the role of acting president in case the Iranian president dies. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 5 LIVE: Polling begins in 49 constituencies across 8 states, UTs Voting is taking place for the fifth phase of the general elections in 49 constituencies in six states and two UTs of India. The fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections will decide the electoral fate of several prominent leaders like former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani US NSA appeals Netanyahu to link Gaza war with 'political strategy' for enclave's future United States President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to link the ongoing Gaza war with a "political strategy" for the future of the territory. Lai Ching-te sworn in as Taiwan's new president, US attends ceremony Lai Ching-te on Monday (May 20) was sworn in as Taiwan's new president. Thousands of people congregated in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei to witness the inauguration ceremony. After taking office, Lai, who is seen as a moderate figure, called on China to 'cease political and military intimidation'. Watch | AI-boom leaves mega Indian software stocks in the dust ×

Morning brief: Iranian president Raisi dies in helicopter crash; phase 5 of Lok Sabha polls, & more