Israel was not involved in the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash that also killed several members of his entourage, an Israeli official told Reuters on Monday.
"It wasn't us," said the official, who requested anonymity.
Rumors circulated throughout social media Sunday night into Monday morning alleging Mossad involvement in the helicopter crash.
You LITERALLY cannot make this stuff up. Tons of people made the joke that the helicopter pilot was a mossad agent called Eli Copter. Tons of Israel-haters including actual TV stations are reporting it like it’s a fact. Moral of the story: When you come after the Jews, not… pic.twitter.com/DylWKVsmBU
— Hillel Fuld (@HilzFuld) May 20, 2024
The late president was killed in a helicopter crash in Iran's northwest region on Sunday along with several other Iranian officials, Iranian state media agencies and government officials confirmed Monday morning.
Iranian officials killed in the crash
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was among the dead, as well as Seyyed Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the Islamic Republic's representative to the East Azerbaijan province, and Malek Rahmati, the province's governor.
According to Mehr, all passengers aboard the helicopter were killed.
The aircraft's pilot and co-pilot were also killed.
Several world leaders and terrorist organizations have issued statements sending condolences to the Islamic Republic and to Raisi's family members following his death.