President Bola Tinubu has sent condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi; Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials in a helicopter crash.
This came as proponents of a hardline strategy against Iran from around Washington celebrated the death.
In a statement released by State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, the U.S. government expressed “official condolences” over the deaths of Mr Raisi and his delegation.
“As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Miller said.
But the White House had nothing more to say, a symptom of what the administration’s critics argue is a broader inability to outline a clear policy and vision for the future of the Middle East.
According to the State Department spokesperson, the U.S. approach to Iran “remains unchanged” despite the death of Raisi.
On Capitol Hill, conservatives in the foreign policy sphere celebrated his demise.
In the condolences issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, yesterday, President Tinubu expressed grief over the tragedy, describing Raisi as a leader who was passionately committed to the development of Iran.
While commiserating with the bereaved families, President Tinubu prayed for the continued peace, stability, and prosperity of the Iranian nation.
The President assured the Islamic Republic of Nigeria’s support and prayers in their moment of grief.