Republican lawmakers criticize the State Department for offering condolences to Iran after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, known as the ‘Butcher of Tehran’ by dissidents.
Iran requested assistance from the United States following the helicopter crash that killed President Raisi and seven others near the Iran-Azerbaijan border. The State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, stated that the US was unable to provide assistance despite the request.
President Raisi, a fundamentalist Muslim cleric, was elected in 2021 and faced criticism for his repressive policies and involvement in mass executions. Despite his controversial legacy, the United Nations and the State Department extended condolences for his death.
Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Byron Donalds and Rep. Elise Stefanik, condemned the State Department’s gesture of sympathy, citing Raisi’s atrocities and support for terrorist activities.
In response, Mr. Miller defended the condolences as a recognition of the loss of life while acknowledging Raisi’s brutal record. He emphasized the need to address human rights abuses in Iran and expressed regret for any loss of life.
Please rewrite this sentence.
Source link
