Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, dies in helicopter crash
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi made a “tough landing” on Sunday during a visit to the northwest of the country, according to national TV reports. The incident was caused by dense fog, which has complicated rescue efforts.
The helicopter crashed near the Sungun copper mine, situated between Jolfa and Varzaqan in East Azerbaijan province, approximately 70-100 kilometers from Tabriz, one of Iran’s largest cities and the intended destination of the president and foreign minister.
Since Sunday afternoon, 40 rescue teams have been dispatched to the forested and mountainous area. The harsh weather conditions have made the region accessible only by ground teams, as aerial approaches are unfeasible.
The mountainous terrain and natural obstacles have made communication with the president’s entourage nearly impossible. An Iranian television reporter noted that as darkness and cold set in, crews avoided traveling by car due to unpaved roads and muddy conditions caused by rain.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, East Azarbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and Tabriz Friday prayer leader Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem were also aboard the helicopter.
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, expressed concern about the missing helicopter during a meeting with families of IRGC personnel, saying, “We hope that God returns the honorable president and his companions to the arms of the nation.” He urged everyone to pray for the health of the civil servants, reassuring the Iranian nation that there will be no disruption in the country’s work.
Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, issued an order for all army, IRGC, and law enforcement resources to be used in the search for the helicopter.
People in various cities of Iran gathered to pray for President Raisi and his companions. The incident occurred near Jolfa, a city on the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran. Raisi had been in East Azarbaijan Province to inaugurate a dam with Ilham Aliyev, the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi stated that the helicopter was forced to make a tough emergency landing due to bad weather conditions.
The Supreme National Security Council has not convened an emergency meeting regarding the helicopter accident involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions, according to an informed source. Rumors circulating on social media about such a meeting were deemed incorrect.
Several nations, including Turkey, Italy, and Qatar, have expressed their support for Iran following the tragic accident. They have extended well-wishes and offered readiness to assist in any necessary capacity.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with President Raisi earlier on Sunday and described their parting as a “friendly farewell.” Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s readiness to provide assistance, stating, “As a neighboring, friendly, and brotherly nation, Azerbaijan is prepared to provide any necessary support.”
The Iraqi government has instructed relevant bodies to offer help and assist in the search for President Raisi’s missing helicopter.
The head of Yemen’s Supreme Political Council expressed solidarity with the people of Iran and their leadership during this difficult time.
Additionally, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Russia is prepared to offer assistance in locating the Iranian president’s helicopter involved in the incident.
