In a tragic helicopter crash, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, along with other officials, lost their lives en route to Tabriz, the provincial capital city of East Azerbaijan. The crash occurred during a visit to the northwest region of Iran on Sunday.
The helicopter made a “tough landing” due to dense fog, which also hindered rescue operations. The crash site, near the Sungun copper mine between Jolfa and Varzaqan, is approximately 70 to 100 kilometers from Tabriz. The challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions have made rescue efforts difficult, with only ground teams able to access the area.
Forty rescue teams have been dispatched to the mountainous and forested site. Communication with the president’s entourage has been nearly impossible due to the natural obstacles. As night fell, the unpaved, muddy roads further complicated rescue operations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and Tabriz’s Friday prayer leader Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem were also aboard the helicopter.
In response to the incident, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei expressed his concern and urged the nation to pray for the president and his companions. He assured the public that there would be no disruption in the country’s governance.
The Iranian armed forces, including the army, the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), and law enforcement, have been mobilized to locate the helicopter. Nationwide, people have gathered to pray for the victims.
President Raisi had been in East Azerbaijan to inaugurate a dam with Ilham Aliyev, the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The helicopter crash occurred near Jolfa, close to the Azerbaijani border, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran.
Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi confirmed that the helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing due to poor weather conditions. Contrary to rumors, the Supreme National Security Council did not hold an emergency meeting regarding the crash.
In a show of regional solidarity, countries including Turkey, Italy, Qatar, and Russia have expressed their support for Iran and offered assistance. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s readiness to help, reflecting the strong ties between the neighboring countries.
This incident marks a significant tragedy for Iran, with the loss of its president and foreign minister during an official mission. The international community continues to extend condolences and support to the Iranian people.
