Iranian President Raisi, Foreign Minister 'At Risk Following Helicopter Crash': Report

Iranian President Raisi's helicopter experienced a "hard landing" in East Azerbaijan province followed by hindered rescue efforts due to adverse weather.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, 63, is known for his hard-line stance, having previously served as the country's judiciary chief.

Source : PTI

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter encountered a "hard landing" on Sunday, as reported by Iranian state media. The incident occurred in Iran's East Azerbaijan province, near the border with Azerbaijan, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the exact location of the incident, initially stated near Jolfa and later near the village of Uzi, news agency AP reported.

Raisi was accompanied by Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, the governor of East Azerbaijan province, and other officials and bodyguards. While some local officials described the incident as a "crash," the details remained unclear due to the inaccessibility of the site, according to AP's report.

An official, who requested anonymity, told news agency Reuters that the lives of both Raisi and Amirabdollahian are "at risk following the helicopter crash". "We are still hopeful but information coming from the crash site is very concerning," the official remarked.

Iranian state media attributed the crash to poor weather conditions, which are also hampering rescue efforts. In response, the chief of staff of Iran's army has ordered all military resources, including those of the elite Revolutionary Guard, to be mobilised for search and rescue operations.

"It is dark and it has started raining, but the search continues. Rescue teams have reached the area... however, the rain has created mud, making the search difficult," a local reporter told state television, as quoted by Reuters.

‘Iranian Nation Shouldn't Be Worried Or Anxious’: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei expressed concern over the crash incident and said, "We hope that Almighty God returns the esteemed and honorable President and his companions to the embrace of the nation." "Everyone should pray for the health of this serving group. The Iranian nation should not be worried or anxious, as no disruption will occur in the country's affairs," he remarked, as per Tasnim News Agency.

Leader's Statement on President #Raisi's Helicopter Incident: “May God Return Them Safely to the Nation's Embrace”
During a gathering of #IRGC personnel's families this evening commemorating Imam Reza's (AS) birth anniversary, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali… pic.twitter.com/mctrO3FgdI

— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) May 19, 2024

Earlier, state TV suspended regular programming to broadcast prayers being held nationwide for Raisi. In a corner of the screen, live footage showed rescue teams trekking through the mountainous region in heavy fog. The rescue teams are expected to reach the probable crash site later on Sunday evening, Reuters reported.

According to Iran media reports, if Raisi is not found alive, Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber will take his place and new elections will have to be called within the next 50 days.

Helicopters Forced To Make Hard Landing Due To Bad Weather, Fog: Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi

Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi explained, "The esteemed president and company were on their way back aboard some helicopters, and one of the helicopters was forced to make a hard landing due to the bad weather and fog", as quoted by AP. He emphasised the challenges faced by rescue teams in reaching the site promptly, “Various rescue teams are on their way to the region but because of the poor weather and fogginess it might take time for them to reach the helicopter.”

Rescue efforts were impeded by adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, fog, and wind. The region's terrain, characterised by forests and mountains, further complicated the operation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and expressed concerns over the development: "Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well being of the President and his entourage."

Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well being of the President and his entourage.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 19, 2024

Raisi had earlier visited Azerbaijan to inaugurate a dam with President Ilham Aliyev, despite strained relations between the two nations. Iran's helicopter fleet faces challenges due to international sanctions, hindering maintenance and acquisition of parts.

The crash comes at a time of increasing dissent within Iran amidst various political, social, and economic crises. The clerical regime faces international scrutiny over its contentious nuclear programme and its expanding military collaboration with Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine.

Ebrahim Raisi, 63, a hard-line figure, assumed Iran's presidency in 2021 amidst low voter turnout. Since his election, Raisi tightened morality laws, overseen a violent crackdown on anti-government protests, and taken a firm stance in nuclear negotiations with global powers. Despite his presidency, it is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his 85-year-old mentor and Iran's supreme leader since 1989, who holds the ultimate authority over all significant policies in Iran's dual political system.

Raisi faces US sanctions for his involvement in political executions in 1988. During his tenure, Iran has escalated tensions by enriching uranium, hindering international inspections, and involving itself in regional conflicts.