Helicopter Carrying Iranian President Crashes in Heavy Fog
In a dramatic turn of events, a helicopter ferrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian encountered a perilous situation when it crashed amidst mountainous terrain shrouded in heavy fog. The incident occurred on Sunday as the delegation was returning from an official visit to the border with Azerbaijan.
An Iranian official, who requested anonymity, conveyed to Reuters that the lives of Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein 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, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
The adverse weather conditions are reportedly hampering the rescue operations, as per the state news agency IRNA. In a show of national concern, state TV altered its regular programming to broadcast prayers for President Raisi and to provide live updates of the rescue teams’ efforts. The teams were seen navigating the challenging terrain on foot in an attempt to reach the crash site amidst the persistent fog.
President Raisi, 63, who assumed office in 2021, has been a significant figure in Iran’s political landscape. He has been instrumental in enforcing stricter morality laws, managing the response to anti-government protests, and actively engaging in nuclear negotiations with global powers. Despite Iran’s unique dual political system where the supreme leader holds ultimate authority over major policies, Raisi is viewed by many as a potential successor to his mentor, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi provided limited information on state television, confirming that one of the three helicopters traveling in convoy experienced a hard landing. Further details were anticipated as authorities continued to assess the situation.
The purpose of President Raisi’s visit to the Azerbaijani border was to inaugurate the Qiz-Qalaisi Dam, a collaborative project between the nations. The incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory occasion.
