White House draws flak for heartfelt statement on Iran president Ebrahim Raisi’s death

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House found itself in the midst of a firestorm on Monday, May 20, after issuing a statement expressing "official condolences" over the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister during an overseas trip.

The message, released under the name of State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, drew swift condemnation from critics who cited Raisi's brutal human rights record, per The Independent.

White House expresses 'official condolences' over Ebrahim Raisi's death

In the statement, Miller emphasized, "As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms."

A State Department spokesperson later clarified to The Independent that "the US approach to Iran remains unchanged" despite Raisi's death, vowing to "continue to support the people of Iran and defend their human rights" while confronting "the Iranian regime's support for terrorism, proliferation of dangerous weapons, and advancement of its nuclear program."

On Capitol Hill, conservative figures in foreign policy circles expressed relief at Raisi’s death. Senator Rick Scott, a member of the Armed Services and Homeland Security committees, celebrated the news on social media.

"If Raisi is dead, the world is now a safer & better place," tweeted Scott. "That evil man was a tyrant & terrorist. He was not loved or respected & he will be missed by no one. If he’s gone, I truly hope the Iranian people have the chance to take their country back from murderous dictators."

Former Vice President Mike Pence also welcomed the news. He noted Raisi's alleged involvement in the murders of Iranian dissidents, including members of the MEK.

"Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is dead and the world is a safer place," Pence stated. "My hope and prayer is that Raisi’s death will give the people of Iran a chance to claim their birthright of freedom and end Iran’s long reign of terror."

Supporters of the MEK and its political counterpart, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), have continuously urged Capitol Hill lawmakers to openly support protests within Iran, advocating for the government's overthrow.

Pence’s remarks, though cautious in language, signify recognition of these pleas—he notably addressed the NCRI’s summit in Paris in 2023.

White House's condolence message over Ebrahim Raisi's death ignites backlash

The White House's message of condolence over Raisi's death ignited severe backlash on social media. One user on X remarked, "Democrats love their dictators." Another user added, "Utter disgusting disgrace @POTUS again proving what POS TRAITORS you are."

A user wrote, "The White House is morally bankrupt," while one commented, "The Administration boot-licking the ‘Death to America’ guy is not surprising - after all, they have the same aspirations."

Criticism continued with one user stating, "Tone deaf doesn't begin to describe it with this administration. The level of incompetence is truly astonishing." Another pointed out, "They made their choice and they chose the butcher over the battered-dead woman."

An additional user expressed, "Iran is trying to destroy the Middle East and Joe Biden sends his condolences to Iran. Our government is a disgrace." Yet another concluded, "The US under Biden is a laughing stock."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.