Conspiracy Theories Emerge: No Iranian Raid on Indian Embassy or Indian Involvement in Raisi's Death
The Claim
A photo shows the Iranian intelligence and special forces raiding the Indian embassy in Tehran, allegedly based on a tip that India, possibly acting on Israel's behalf, was involved in the assassination of President Ibrahim Raisi.
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Emerging story
In the wake of widespread misinformation following the death of the Iranian President in a helicopter crash, a new conspiracy theory has emerged on social media, accusing India of orchestrating the incident.
Users circulated a photo claiming to show Iranian intelligence and special forces raiding the Indian embassy in Tehran, allegedly based on a tip that India, possibly acting on Israel's behalf, was involved in the assassination of President Ibrahim Raisi.
In addition, social media users claimed that Iranian intelligence is searching for an Indian national who was reportedly seen near the helicopter just hours before President Raisi's boarding.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the viral photo and found the claim to be misleading.
A thorough reverse image search revealed the viral photo to be older than claimed. No sources have reported that India is behind the Iranian President's death following a helicopter crash.
The photo Does Not Feature Iran Forces Raiding the Indian Embassy
Contrary to social media users’ viral claim, the photo is outdated.
The original photo was uploaded to Reuters as showing soldiers of Germany's Special Forces Commando (KSK) taking part in an exercise near Putgarten, Germany, on September 28, 2015.
Furthermore, Misbar’s investigative team investigated the second claim, which alleged that Iranian intelligence is searching for an Indian national reportedly seen near the helicopter just hours before President Raisi's boarding.
Misbar found no official sources accusing India of being behind the Iranian President’s death. In addition, no official reports suggested Israel's involvement in the president's death, as claimed.
India Declares Mourning; Israel Denies Involvement in Iran President's Death
India has announced a one-day state of mourning on Tuesday, May 21, in honor of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash.
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated on Monday, "H.E. Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and H.E. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, have passed away in a helicopter crash. As a mark of respect to the departed souls, the Government of India has declared a one-day state mourning on May 21, 2024 (Tuesday) throughout the country."
A long "shadow war" between Iran and Israel erupted into the open last month with exchanges of drone and missile fire. Amidst the speculation surrounding the recent helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, an Israeli official, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that Israel was not involved in the incident.
Iran’s Raisi, Amirabdollahian Died in a Helicopter Crash
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has confirmed First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as the acting president following President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash, which also claimed the life of Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. The crash, occurring in northern Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, resulted in the deaths of several officials, including a provincial governor.
Khamenei has declared five days of national mourning, and new elections will be held within 50 days.
World and regional leaders have sent their condolences in response to the deaths of Raisi and Amirabdollahian.
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