According to comprehensive foreign media reports, on the 20th local time, US State Department spokesman Miller issued a statement saying that the United States mourned the death of Iranian President Leahy, Foreign Minister Abdullahian and other accompanying personnel in the helicopter accident. In addition, Miller also disclosed that the United States could not provide the assistance requested by the Iranian government. According to Reuters, Miller said at a news conference that Iran had made a "rare request for assistance" to the United States after the accident. For logistical reasons, the United States was unable to provide assistance.
"The Iranian government asked us to provide assistance. We clearly told them that when any foreign government encounters such a situation and asks us to provide assistance, we will generally lend a helping hand. But we finally rejected them, mainly because of logistical reasons, which led to our inability to provide assistance." Miller said.
He did not elaborate further on the details.
On the same day, the US State Department also issued a statement through spokesman Mueller, saying that the United States mourned the death of Iranian President Leahy, Foreign Minister Abdullahian and other members of his entourage in the helicopter crash.
On the 19th local time, the helicopter of President Lehi and Foreign Minister Abdullahian of Iran crashed while crossing the mountain in thick fog. The Iranian government confirmed on the 20th that all the people on board were killed.
Reuters pointed out that Iran has not yet provided any official statement on the cause of the crash of the American made Bell 212 helicopter that Lech and others were on.
When asked whether he was worried that Tehran might blame Washington, US Defense Secretary Austin said: "The United States has nothing to do with the crash." He added, "I can't speculate about the cause of the helicopter crash."
