Iranian President Involved In Helicopter Crash

The president of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, has been involved in a helicopter crash. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was also in the helicopter when it crashed.

Bad weather conditions were responsible for the crash, as local reports say the crash happened when the helicopter was crossing mountainous terrain amidst heavy fog.

Rescue efforts have started, but rescuers are struggling to reach the crash site due to the bad weather conditions.

An Iranian official told Reuters that the president’s and foreign minister’s lives were “at risk following the crash.”

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The Iranian Army’s Chief of Staff has ordered the full deployment of resources and the Revolutionary Guard in the search.

President Raisi and Amirabdollahian were on their way back from a visit to a border shared with Azerbaijan in the northwest region of the country.

“We are still hopeful, but the information coming from the crash site is very concerning,” a government official told Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

While rescue efforts continue, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khameni, has assured Iranians that the crash will not disrupt state affairs.

“It is dark, and it has started raining, but the search continues. Rescue teams have reached the area; however, the rain has created mud, making the search difficult,” a reporter for State TV said.

State TV initially paused its regular programs to show prayers held across the country for President Raisi.

Neighbouring nations have expressed concern over the situation and offered assistance to rescue efforts.

President Joe Biden has been briefed as the White House is monitoring the situation.

The European Union has also offered to help the rescue effort with satellite mapping technology.