US rejects claims that sanctions played role in Iranian president's helicopter crash

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The White House on Monday rejected claims that US sanctions are to blame for the fatal crash of an Iranian helicopter that was transporting President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other officials.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby called the allegations "utterly baseless," maintaining that the US has not determined the cause of Sunday's crash even as Iranian sources pointed to thick fog in the area where the aircraft went down.

"Iranian official sources are out there citing poor flying conditions as a cause for concern, specifically fog. And every country, no matter who they are, has a responsibility, their own responsibility, to ensure the safety and reliability of its equipment, and that includes civil aviation," he told reporters.

"So again, totally baseless accusation, no truth to it. And it's not surprising, sadly, but not surprising that the Iranian regime will once again find a way to try to blame the United States for problems of its own making," he added.

After a nightlong search operation hampered by bad weather, Raisi, Amir-Abdollahian, and other top officials were declared dead on Monday morning.

Dozens of emergency rescue teams were dispatched to the mountainous area in Iran's East Azerbaijan province where the accident occurred Sunday afternoon.

According to the Iranian Constitution, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will assume powers of the presidency, and elections will be held within 50 days.