The incident involving the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian occurred during their return from a visit to Iran’s northwest border with Azerbaijan. According to an Iranian official speaking to Reuters, the crash happened due to heavy fog as the helicopter navigated mountainous terrain.
As of the latest reports, the official expressed serious concern about the condition of both President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, indicating that their lives were in danger following the crash. Rescue efforts were underway, though the situation at the crash site was described as concerning.
The anonymity of the official underscores the sensitivity and seriousness of the situation, as updates continue to emerge regarding the rescue operation and the condition of those involved.
Ebrahim Raisi was elected Iranian president on the second try in 2021. (File)
to an official cited by State TV, at least one passenger and one crew member had communicated with the rescuers. It also said that the helicopter had been found, a claim that Iran’s Purple Crescent refuted.
In an effort to reassure Iranians, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say and remaining influence on foreign media of Iran’s nuclear program, stated that there would be no disruption to state affairs.
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The incident was caused by an unhealthy climate, according to Iranian official media, which also made rescue efforts more difficult. IRNA, a state news agency, stated that Raisi was piloting a Bell 212 helicopter, which is manufactured in the US.
The helicopter crash involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has prompted a significant response both domestically and internationally:
- National Broadcast and Prayers: The national broadcaster interrupted regular programming to broadcast prayers held across the country for President Raisi’s well-being.
- Rescue Efforts: As of early Monday, rescue teams, equipped with bright jackets and head torches, were actively searching the mountainous terrain where the crash occurred. The weather conditions were described as challenging, with cold, wet, and foggy weather turning to snow.
- International Response: Neighboring countries and international entities have expressed concern and offered assistance:
- United States: President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation.
- Turkey: Provided drones, helicopters, vehicles, and a rescue team in response to Iran’s request.
- European Union: Offered emergency satellite mapping technology to aid in the search and rescue operations.
The response underscores the seriousness of the incident and the collaborative efforts underway to locate and assist those involved in the crash
HARDLINER, POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR TO KHAMENEI
