DUBAI, A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed on Sunday as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog. The helicopter was returning from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan, an Iranian official told Reuters.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed grave concern for the lives of Raisi and Amirabdollahian. “The lives of Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian are at risk following the helicopter crash,” the official said. “We are still hopeful but information coming from the crash site is very concerning.”
The severe weather conditions were hindering rescue efforts, according to the state news agency IRNA. The helicopter was part of a convoy of three that had been navigating the challenging mountainous terrain.
State TV in Iran interrupted its regular programming to broadcast prayers for President Raisi. In addition to the prayers, the broadcast included live coverage of rescue teams combing the mountainous area on foot amidst heavy fog, hoping to locate the downed helicopter and any survivors.
President Raisi, 63, was elected in 2021 at his second attempt. Since taking office, he has enforced stricter morality laws, led a harsh crackdown on anti-government protests, and pushed aggressively in nuclear negotiations with world powers. Despite the dual political system in Iran, where the supreme leader holds the ultimate authority over major policies, Raisi is seen as a potential successor to the 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Raisi has been a close ally of Khamenei, who has endorsed many of his policies.
Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi provided limited information on the incident. He confirmed to state TV that one of the helicopters in a group of three had made a hard landing. Authorities are awaiting more detailed reports from the scene.
The purpose of Raisi’s visit to the Azerbaijani border was to inaugurate the Qiz-Qalaisi Dam, a significant joint project between Iran and Azerbaijan. The dam’s inauguration was expected to bolster cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
As the situation develops, the Iranian government and citizens anxiously await updates on the safety and well-being of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian. The crash has drawn international attention, with world leaders monitoring the situation closely.
For now, the nation remains in a state of prayer and vigilance, hoping for a positive outcome from the rescue operations.
