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US says it was ‘unable’ to provide Iran assistance after Raisi helicopter crash
- US says Iran sought ‘assistance’ after helicopter crash killed President Ebrahim Raisi
- Funeral procession for Raisi and others who died will be held in Tehran on Wednesday
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The United States on Monday said it had been unable, due largely to logistical reasons, to accept an Iranian request for help following a helicopter crash over the weekend that killed President Ebrahim Raisi, as Washington offered its condolences.
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The rare request from Iran, which views the United States and Israel as its main adversaries, was disclosed by the State Department at a news briefing.
“We were asked for assistance by the Iranian government. We did make clear to them that we would offer assistance, as we would do in response to any request by a foreign government in this sort of situation,” spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.
“Ultimately, largely for logistical reasons, we were unable to provide that assistance,” Miller said, without elaborating.
02:07
Iranian president dies in helicopter crash, raising questions about who will be next ruler
Iranian president dies in helicopter crash, raising questions about who will be next ruler
The charred wreckage of the helicopter that crashed on Sunday carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and six other passengers and crew, was found early on Monday after an overnight search in blizzard conditions.
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