#First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

[azeriamerica]

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has shared a post on her official Instagram page on the occasion of 31 December – the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and New Year

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva made post on occasion of World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year. First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has shared a post on her official Instagram page on the occasion of 31 December – the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and New Year. The post says: “Dear sisters and brothers! I sincerely congratulate you on the…

[mariacallous]

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died on Sunday when a helicopter carrying him and a delegation of other Iranian officials crash-landed in the mountains of northern Iran, throwing the future of the country and the region into further doubt.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other top officials were also killed in the crash as the group was traveling in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, the Iranian state-run Islamic Republic News Agency confirmed. Dense fog impeded search and rescue operations for hours before the crash site was found. The fog was so thick that it forced the Iranians to call on the support of European Union satellites to help locate the helicopter. 

Raisi’s death puts a coda on a short but transformative era in Iranian politics that saw the country lurch in a hard-line direction and threatened to bring the Middle East to the brink of regional war. In nearly three years in power, Raisi moved Iran’s domestic politics and social policy in a more conservative direction and pushed the country further into the role of clear U.S. antagonist in the region after his predecessor, Hassan Rouhani—who defeated him in the 2017 presidential election—first sought a detente with the West over Iran’s nuclear program before stepping up proxy attacks.

An Islamic jurist noted for his close relationship with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and considered by many officials and experts as a likely candidate to succeed the aging supreme leader, Raisi’s tenure saw Iran speed up uranium enrichment and slow down negotiations on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action after the United States exited the deal in 2018, three years before he came into office.

Iran under Raisi also supported Russia in its war against Ukraine with extensive exports of Shahed suicide drones and artillery; increased attacks by regional proxy militias against the United States and Israel after Hamas’s October 2023 cross-border attack on Israel; and just a month before his death launched a massive drone and missile attack against Israel. 

Experts say that regardless of who replaces Raisi, the strategy he pursued is unlikely to change, having been solidified among the higher echelons of Iran’s political and clerical leadership. 

“With Raisi, without Raisi, the regime is quite content with the way the post-Oct. 7 Middle East has been shaking out,” said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow focused on Iran at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). “It’s been able to continue its death-by-a-thousand-cuts strategy, firing directly against the U.S. and Israel via proxy and then even directly a few times itself with the tit-for-tat you saw in April, and still look like it won the round.”

Under the Iranian Constitution, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is likely to fill in as head of the cabinet for the next 50 days until elections can be called. Recent parliamentary elections drew record-low turnouts, analysts said. What’s more, significant effort was expended by Khamenei and his allies to ensure Raisi’s win during the last presidential election in 2021, disqualifying potential rivals. 

Before becoming president, Raisi served on Iran’s prosecution committee that was responsible for executing an estimated 5,000 dissidents in 1988. He had been accused of crimes against humanity by the United Nations and was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department. And that heavy-handed approach continued with the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran’s morality police in September 2022 after allegedly not wearing a hijab properly in public, which sparked nationwide protests. 

Beyond the horizon of snap elections and the presidential election set for next year, there is potential for upheaval at the top of Iran’s ruling class. With a short line of possible successors to the 85-year-old Khamenei, other than the head of state’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, Raisi’s death could throw the country’s political future into further turmoil. 

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the largest branch of the Iranian armed forces that controls major swaths of the country’s economy, could also use the upheaval to strengthen its hand.

“There is no heir apparent if he’s gone,” said David Des Roches, a professor at the National Defense University’s Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies and retired U.S. Army colonel. “What’s really interesting is to see if the IRGC will basically complete a slow-motion coup.”

As rescue workers searched for Raisi’s downed helicopter, state media asked the Iranian people to pray for him. Instead, in the wake of reports of the crash, some Iranians appeared to light celebratory fireworks, cheering the demise of the hard-line leader.

“Today’s crash & likely death of president Raisi and his [foreign minister] will shake up Iranian politics,” Afshon Ostovar, an associate professor at the Naval Postgraduate School and a longtime Iran expert, wrote in a post on X before the president’s death had been confirmed. “Regardless of the cause, perceptions of foul play will be rife within the regime. Ambitious elements may press for advantage, compelling reactions from other parts of the regime. Buckle up.” 

While experts said it was unlikely that a liberalizing figure would emerge in either snap elections or Iran’s 2025 presidential election, Raisi’s death could leave a small opening for resurgent protest movements that have persisted under the surface. 

“These movements are not dead,” said Ben Taleblu, the FDD expert. “They operate on the low level, on the periphery—usually strikes, labor unions, that kind of thing. It could lead to a nationwide trigger, and it could be a nothing burger. But the story of the Iranian protest movement is always a matter of when and not if.”

[head-post]

Europe expressed condolences over death of Iranian president

European leaders expressed condolences over the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash.

European Council President Charles Michel wrote on X:

The EU expresses its sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident. Our thoughts go to the families.

Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell’s office also expressed condolences.

“The European Union offers its condolences for the death of President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdollahian and other Iranian officials involved in the tragic helicopter crash on Sunday. The EU expresses its sympathies to the families of all the victims and to the Iranian citizens affected.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni voiced support for the Iranian government and people. She added that she did not foresee “major changes” in Iran’s internal structure at this time. The French Foreign Ministry also expressed condolences over the death.

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on X:

We express our condolences to the people of #Iran and the families of the late President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-abdollahian, and all those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash yesterday.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said, “I extend my condolences to the families of all the victims and to the Iranian citizens affected.”

After an overnight search operation in bad weather, Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other senior officials were pronounced dead on Monday morning. Dozens of rescue teams headed to the mountainous region of East Azerbaijan province where the accident occurred on Sunday afternoon.

According to Iran’s constitution, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will assume the presidency. Presidential elections will take place within 50 days.

Read more HERE

[irvinenewshq]

Chronicles of Victory: October 22 2020

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Oct. 22. The Azerbaijani Military launched a counter-offensive operation, later known as the “Iron Fist”, on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces alongside the frontline, Pattern experiences. The erupted 44-day Second Karabakh Struggle ended with the liberation of Azerbaijan’s territories from practically 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity. Chronicle of the 26-th day of the second Karabakh conflict: – On the official Twitter web page of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, a publication was posted on making certain full management over the state border (bordering with Iran). – A publication was posted on the official Twitter web page of President Ilham Aliyev, because of the liberation from the occupation of three villages of Fuzuli district, 4 villages of Jabrayil district. – President Ilham Aliyev obtained the Ombudsman of Turkey. – First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva gave an interview to Pattern New Company. – The Azerbaijani Protection Ministry has disseminated details about the newest scenario on the entrance. Volunteers within the Armenian Armed Forces fled, leaving their fight positions. Data was disseminated in regards to the wounding of the commander of the Armenian Armed Forces regiment, the killing of his deputy and the battalion commander. – The Armenian Armed Forces fired 3 ballistic missiles at Siyazan, 2 at Gabala and 1 at Kurdamir. A 17-year-old civilian was wounded on account of a missile assault by the Armenians on Gabala. – Armenian servicemen refused to struggle. Video footage of one other captured navy tools of the Armenian Armed Forces was distributed. – One other tactical UAV of the Armenian Armed Forces, which tried to fly within the route of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, was destroyed. The Azerbaijani artillerymen continued to ship exact strikes on the firing factors of the Armenian Armed Forces. – The Azerbaijani flag was hoisted within the village of Aghband, Zangilan district. – The Ministry of Protection of Azerbaijan offered video footage of the destruction of a major variety of personnel and tools of the Armenian Armed Forces. Originally published at Irvine News HQ

[metbuat]

There was an introduction to the work to be done in the building complex and the opening of the monument on the grave of Khurshidbanu Nateva.

There was an introduction to the work to be done in the building complex and the opening of the monument on the grave of Khurshidbanu Nateva.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva On October 4, they got acquainted with the work to be done in the Palace of Panahali Khan and the Building Complex in Aghdam, and opened the monument on the grave of Khurshidbanu Nateva. AZERTAC reports that first the head of state and the first lady were informed about the works to be done in the…

[irvinenewshq]

Chronicles of Victory: Mehriban Aliyeva congratulated Azerbaijani folks on liberation of a number of villages of Fuzuli Jabrayil Khojavand Zangilan districts and the town of Zangilan on October 20 2020

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Oct. 20. First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has made an Instagram publish on the liberation of a number of villages of Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Khojavand, Zangilan districts and the town of Zangilan from occupation. Development presents the publish: “I congratulate our folks on the event of the liberation of an entire variety of villages in Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Khojavand, Zangilan districts and the town of Zangilan from the occupation! Lengthy dwell the folks of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani Military. Could Almighty God bless our folks, our Motherland and President! Karabakh is Azerbaijan!” Originally published at Irvine News HQ

[metbuat]

The foundation of the "City Hotel Agdam" hotel was laid in the city of Agdam

The foundation of the “City Hotel Agdam” hotel was laid in the city of Agdam

On October 4, the foundation of the “City Hotel Agdam” hotel was laid in the city of Agdam. AZERTAC reports that the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the ceremony. Director of “PMD Projects” company Nariman Topchubashov informed the head of state and the first lady about the hotel to be built. It was reported that the…

[irvinenewshq]

Chronicles of Victory: October 15 2020

BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 15. The Azerbaijani Military launched a counter-offensive operation, later known as the “Iron Fist”, on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces alongside the frontline, Pattern studies. The erupted 44-day Second Karabakh Conflict ended with the liberation of Azerbaijan’s territories from practically 30-year Armenian occupation. Pattern presents the chronicle of the nineteenth day of the Second Karabakh struggle: – President Ilham Aliyev interviewed by the Turkish NTV channel. – “Azerbaijan’s superb Military has liberated Arish village of Fuzuli district, Doshulu village of Jabrayil district, and Edishe, Dudukchi, Edilli and Chiraguz of Khojavend district. Lengthy reside Azerbaijan’s Military! Karabakh is Azerbaijan!” President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a submit on his official Twitter account. – President Ilham Aliyev interviewed by Dmitry Kiselev, Director Normal of the Russia At this time media group, for the Russian RIA Novosti information company. – First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva made a submit on her official Instagram account in reference to the shelling of the funeral procession in Tartar by the Armenian aspect. – Because of the actions taken by the Azerbaijani military, a massive variety of Armenian manpower and tools had been destroyed and disabled in several instructions of the entrance. – The Armenian armed forces, grossly violating the humanitarian ceasefire, fired on the territories of Goranboy, Tartar, Aghdam and Aghjabadi districts. – The loss of life toll because of the deliberate shelling of the funeral procession in Tartar by Armenia reached 4 folks. – The Prosecutor Normal’s Workplace of Azerbaijan mentioned that two civilians had been injured because of shelling a residential constructing in Aghdam by the Armenian armed forces. – The Armenian colonel, commander of the army unit of the Armed Forces of Armenia, was liquidated. Originally published at Irvine News HQ

[metbuat]

The ground-breaking ceremony of the internal road and communication network of Aghdam city was held

The ground-breaking ceremony of the internal road and communication network of Aghdam city was held

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva On October 4, they participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the internal road and communication network of Agdam city. AZERTAC informs that the special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Emin Huseynov, informed the head of state and the first lady about the work to be…

[metbuat]

Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the foundation laying ceremony of Kangarli village of Aghdam

Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the foundation laying ceremony of Kangarli village of Aghdam

On October 4, the foundation of Kangarli village of Aghdam region was laid. AZERTAC reports that the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the ceremony. The special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Emin Huseynov informed the head of state and the first lady about the work to be done in the…