A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed on Sunday while traversing mountainous terrain in heavy fog, an Iranian official reported to Reuters. The incident occurred as the delegation was returning from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that the lives of both Raisi and Amirabdollahian were “at risk following the helicopter crash.”
“We are still hopeful but information coming from the crash site is very concerning,” the official stated.
Rescue efforts were being hindered by adverse weather conditions, according to reports from the state news agency IRNA. State television interrupted regular programming to broadcast nationwide prayers for Raisi, while live coverage showed rescue teams searching the mountainous area on foot amidst dense fog.
President Raisi, 63, was elected in 2021 after a previous attempt. Since taking office, he has enforced stricter morality laws, led a violent crackdown on anti-government protests, and vigorously pursued nuclear negotiations with global powers.
In Iran’s dual political system, the supreme leader has the ultimate authority over major policies, though Raisi is seen as a strong contender to succeed his 85-year-old mentor, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has strongly endorsed Raisi’s policies.
Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi confirmed to state TV that one helicopter from a group of three had made a hard landing, and that further details were awaited.
President Raisi had been at the Azerbaijani border to inaugurate the Qiz-Qalaisi Dam, a joint project between Iran and Azerbaijan.
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