Due to the long-standing hostility between Iran and Israel, some Iranians are speculating if Israeli intelligence was behind the assassination of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, but an Israeli official has denied that claim, and experts believe the hypothesis of Israeli involvement to be improbable.

Israel denied any role on Monday in the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed along with many members of his entourage in a helicopter crash.

“It wasn’t us,” an official who wished to remain anonymous was cited by news agency Reuters.

At the age of sixty-three, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who was well-known for his strict policies and strong relationship with the nation’s top leader, departed from this life. Raisi was involved in the 1988 mass killings of thousands of people. He then led Iran’s pursuit of uranium enrichment to levels close to weapons-grade and launched a massive drone and missile offensive against Israel.

Raisi unexpectedly died on Sunday in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran, along with the country’s foreign minister and other officials.

Regarding the circumstances surrounding Raisi’s helicopter crash, concerns and conjecture have been raised. Iran is facing a period of uncertainty with the death of its president, which could have far-reaching effects throughout the Middle East.

President Raisi’s passing is probably going to have a big impact on the area in addition to starting a high-stakes power struggle inside Iran. The abrupt withdrawal of a significant political figure like Raisi might upset the delicate balance of power within Iran and internationally in the context of rising tensions and conflicts.

Although poor weather, including rain and fog, which made visibility during the flight difficult, is the official explanation for the tragedy, rumors of foul play have surfaced. Questions have been raised over the possible involvement of local enemies or even external entities like Israel given Raisi’s contentious tenure and the issues Iran faces on the inside as well as the outside.

Israel’s possible involvement?

According to an article in the Economist, some Iranians have surmised that Israel may be responsible for the crash given the long-standing hostility between Iran and Israel. This argument gains momentum in light of recent escalations, such as the Iranian general’s assassination by Israel in Damascus and the accompanying missile bombardment from Iran. Although it has never targeted a head of state, Israel’s intelligence service, Mossad, is well-known for its operations against Iranian interests.

Nonetheless, experts believe the hypothesis of Israeli involvement to be improbable. A direct act of war, assassinating a sitting president would probably provoke a harsh reaction from Iran. Historically, Israel has placed more of a strategic emphasis on military and nuclear objectives than on high-profile political killings. “There are good grounds to question Israel’s participation. The Economist study stated, “It has never gone so far as to assassinate a head of state, an unambiguous act of war that would invite a fierce Iranian response.”

But the timing of the helicopter crash makes tensions in the area worse. The geopolitical environment is complicated by Iran’s network of proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, especially in light of the current confrontation between Israel and Hamas. Any unrest among Iran’s elite could give these factions more confidence and possibly spark larger hostilities.

Recently, GreatGameIndia reported everything you need to know about the helicopter crash, as Reuters, as well as Iranian media, have confirmed that a senior official informed them that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who was involved in the crash, has passed away.