Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter encountered an accident on Sunday amid adverse weather in East Azerbaijan province.
State media confirmed the incident and a subsequent large-scale search operation in the foggy mountainous region. Here are the key details:
The accident involved President Raisi’s helicopter crashing in the Dizmar forest near Varzaghan during poor weather. Earlier that day, Raisi had inaugurated a dam with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi reported that the helicopter landed hard due to weather conditions. Over 40 rescue teams, drones and search dogs were deployed. The Revolutionary Guards, military personnel, and police are involved in the search.
Vahidi reported challenges in establishing contact with the helicopter carrying Raisi, one of three in the convoy. The other two helicopters landed safely in Tabriz.
Read: President Ebrahim Raisi Survives Helicopter Mishap in East Azerbaijan
According to IRNA, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the governor of East Azerbaijan, and the province’s main imam were also aboard.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed optimism about Raisi’s health and advised the public not to worry.
Should Raisi be incapacitated, Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber would assume presidential duties. According to the constitution, presidential elections would be scheduled within 50 days if necessary.
