Weather turbulence makes rescue difficult after helicopter crash involving Iranian president
At least 40 rescue teams are participating in search operations for President Ebrahim Raisi and his team. The president was returning from an official visit to Azerbaijan when the incident occurred. Unfavorable weather conditions were identified as the possible cause, as reported by the state broadcaster.
What happened on the way back from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan, in northwest Iran - Photo Reproduction/Azin Haghighi/Moj News Agency/WANA via Reuters
One helicopter crash involving the president of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, occurred this Sunday morning (19), in a mountainous region that is difficult to access. Rescue operations face serious difficulties due to adverse weather conditions, with strong winds and rain compromising the safety and effectiveness of rescuers, Iranian state TV reported.
The Accident and Rescue
The Islamic Republic's news agency (IRNA) reported that the helicopter carrying President Raisi and his entourage, including his foreign minister crashed while flying over mountainous terrain in heavy fog between the cities of Varzaqan and Jolfa, in the province of East Azerbaijan. The exact location of the accident has already been identified, according to the IRNA agency, but it was not known whether the helicopter was found. Iran's Ministry of Information and Communications Technology was able to narrow the search area to a radius of 2 km. At least 40 rescue teams are working in the region.
Iranian Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri said two members of the presidential delegation contacted rescue teams, suggesting the accident was not serious. State TV reported that, according to an official, at least one passenger and one crew member managed to communicate with rescue teams. Furthermore, it reported that the helicopter had been located, although the Iranian Red Crescent has denied this information. An Iranian official told the Reuters news agency that "they are hopeful, but the information about the accident is worrying."
Complicated Rescue
Rescue teams were expected to arrive at the likely accident site on Sunday night - Photo Reproduction/Azin Haghighi/Moj News Agency/WANA via Reuters
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said that the population should not feel anxious or worried, guaranteeing that "the management of the State of Iran will not be affected" by the accident. Iranian state media reported that bad weather conditions caused the accident and hampered rescue efforts.
"It is dark and it has started to rain, but the search continues. Rescue teams have reached the area... however, the rain has created mud, making the search difficult," a local reporter told state TV.
The European Commission mobilized its satellite mapping service to assist in search operations. According to state news agency IRNA, Raisi was aboard a US-made Bell 212 helicopter. The head of the Iranian armed forces, Mohammad Bagheri, ordered the full resources of the army and revolutionary guard to be used in search and rescue operations, state TV reported.
According to IRNA, the Iranian cabinet held an emergency session this Sunday to deal with the consequences of the accident. The session, chaired by Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, aimed to mobilize all government capabilities to locate Raisi's helicopter and his entourage. Mansouri and Health Minister Bahram Einollahi are expected to travel to the region where the helicopter is believed to have crashed to oversee search and rescue operations.
International and Local Responses
News of the accident sparked a wave of concern both within Iran and internationally. Several world leaders expressed solidarity and other neighboring countries offered assistance. The White House said US President Joe Biden had received information about the crash reports. Turkey reported sending a drone, a helicopter, vehicles and a rescue team in response to the Iranian authorities' request. The European Union has made satellite mapping technology available for emergencies.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its support for Iran, declaring its readiness to provide any necessary assistance to Iranian authorities, as reported by the state news agency. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared its readiness to assist Iran in the search for the helicopter carrying Ebrahim Raisi. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharov expressed her country's willingness to offer assistance to Iran. Similarly, the Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed sadness over the accident and took steps to collaborate with efforts to rescue.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry said it was ready to provide Iran with all necessary support.
On Sunday morning, the president of Iran visited Azerbaijan to participate in the inauguration ceremony of a dam, accompanied by the president of the neighboring country, Ilham Aliyev. This is the third dam built in collaboration between the two nations along the Aras River.
"Today, after bidding amicable farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were deeply disturbed by the news that a helicopter carrying the main delegation had crashed in Iran. Our prayers to Almighty Allah are with President Ebrahim Raisi and the delegation accompanying him. As a neighboring, friendly and brotherly country, the Republic of Azerbaijan is ready to offer any necessary assistance."
Iranian President
Ebrahim Raisi, President of Iran - Photo Reproduction/Getty Images
Ebrahim Raisi, aged 63, ascended to the presidency of Iran in 2021. Wearing a black turban and a long religious cloak, he Portrays himself as the defender of the underprivileged and as a champion in the fight against corruption. Raisi is known for his ultra-conservative views and his unwavering support for the country's current order. Prior to his presidency, he served as leader of the Iranian judiciary, where he faced accusations of human rights violations during his time as a judge. There are allegations that he was involved in mass executions of dissidents of the Iranian regime in 1988, resulting in the deaths of approximately 3,000 people without any judicial process.
Raisi emerged as the favorite candidate and won the presidency in the first round of the 2021 elections. His term is four years, with the possibility of seeking re-election. According to partial official results released on June 19 of that year, the ultra-conservative won more than 62% of the votes, totaling more than 17.8 million votes out of the 28.6 million counted.
