A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other top officials, including the country’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, crashed in the mountainous northwest region of Iran. The wreckage was located early Monday, over 12 hours after the aircraft was reported missing. According to Pir Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, the helicopter was spotted from a distance but there was “no sign of life” at the scene.
The crash occurred near the village of Uzi, close to Jolfa in East Azerbaijan province, nearly 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran. The officials aboard the helicopter were part of a delegation traveling in the area, which is known for its challenging terrain. State media described the incident variably as a “hard landing” or a “crash.”
Rescue efforts were hindered by adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and fog, complicating access to the crash site in the forested mountainous area. Amidst these tragic circumstances, both religious leaders and Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, have called for prayers for the missing officials.
The incident adds to the list of challenges faced by President Raisi’s administration, which has been marked by internal strife and international tensions. The helicopter, described similar to a Bell model, faced difficulties likely exacerbated by international sanctions affecting Iran’s ability to maintain its fleet.
The loss of the president and other key officials has potential significant implications for the governance of Iran, as constitutional procedures will guide the succession and continuation of government activities.
