US says not able to help Iran in crisis

Washington cites logistical reasons as it sends condolences after crash

The United States on Monday said it had been unable, due largely to logistical reasons, to accept an Iranian request for assistance following a helicopter crash over the weekend that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, as Washington offered its condolences.

"The United States expresses its official condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister (Hossein) Amir-Abdollahian, and other members of their delegation in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran," Matthew Miller, US State Department spokesperson, said in a statement.

The US State Department said Iran, which has had no diplomatic relations with Washington since the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, reached out after Raisi's chopper crashed in foggy weather on Sunday.