Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline leader who brought Iran closer to China

Before news of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi’s death emerged, China expressed "deep concern" on Monday after his helicopter went missing. Given China's significant trade ties with Iran and its role as a major buyer of Iranian oil, its concern appears justified. China stated it would closely monitor the situation and offer support to rescue operations. Raisi's efforts to strengthen Iran-China relations included a visit to Beijing last year, marking the first such visit by an Iranian president in two decades.