Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian died in a helicopter crash while flying over mountainous terrain in heavy fog, an Iranian official told Reuters. The crash occurred as they were returning to the Iranian city of Tabriz after inaugurating the Qiz Qalasi Dam on the Iran-Azerbaijan border with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
The State TV reported that there were no signs of survivors upon locating the helicopter and video footage of the crash site has been released. The helicopter lost contact approximately 30 minutes into the flight, prompting a massive search and rescue operation. Initial reports from state media labelled the incident an “accident.”
Iran’s Deputy President for Executive Affairs, Mohsen Mansouri, suggested that some passengers might have survived since two members of the president’s entourage had contacted rescue teams. Mansouri also noted that the Ministry of Communications had narrowed down the crash site to a two-kilometer radius.
Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mehdi Safari reported that the Tabriz Friday prayer leader had managed to speak with President Raisi via phone from the downed helicopter, according to state media. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged calm and assured the nation that governance would remain stable, expressing hope for the president’s safe return.
The search effort has been extensive, involving over 60 rescue teams, including army, Revolutionary Guard forces, and police units. These efforts have been significantly hampered by harsh weather and heavy fog. Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand mentioned detecting a “smell of fuel” in one area, which rescue teams are now focusing on.
The international community has expressed concern and offered assistance. Neighboring countries and organizations, including Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Russia, Turkey, and the European Union, have pledged support, with the EU activating its rapid response mapping service.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “deep concern” on social media, standing in solidarity with the Iranian people and praying for the well-being of the president and his entourage. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani conveyed gratitude for the international solidarity, while the US confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation, with President Joe Biden being briefed.
This tragic incident follows a period of heightened regional tensions, particularly due to the Gaza conflict and Iran’s recent escalations with Israel. President Raisi, in office since 2021, had recently reiterated Iran’s steadfast support for Palestine during the dam inauguration speech.
At 63, Ebrahim Raisi, who assumed office in 2021, has pursued a firm stance on domestic and international policies, including tightening morality laws and engaging in nuclear negotiations with global powers.
Despite Iran’s political system vested heavily in the supreme leader’s authority, Raisi has emerged as a significant figure, garnering support from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for his policies.
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