Iran President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter ‘crashes upon landing’ in Varzaqan region: state media
A helicopter carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials experienced a "crash upon landing" in the mountainous Varzaqan region under adverse weather conditions on Sunday, as reported by state media Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Rescue efforts are ongoing, but no information on his condition has been released yet.
Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and other officials were also aboard the convoy of three helicopters; the other two landed safely.
The incident occurred as Raisi was returning from East Azerbaijan province after inaugurating a dam project with his Azeri counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, near the border of the two countries.
The challenging weather and heavy fog have hindered rescue teams from reaching the crash site, according to a news alert from state TV.
Pir Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), informed Iran’s Tasnim news agency that "40 rapid response teams from the IRCS are currently conducting search operations" in the crash area. He noted that the "weather conditions are extremely unfavorable and the terrain is difficult to navigate," but efforts continue to address the situation.
"We have deployed drones and aerial measures, but poor weather conditions have rendered aerial search operations infeasible. The area is rugged and mountainous," Kolivand added. Additional personnel from various provinces have also been sent to assist.
International Reaction:
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep concern and extended his well-wishes for President Raisi and the foreign minister on social media, hoping for their safety.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif similarly expressed his anxiety and extended his best wishes to Raisi and the Iranian nation on social media.
A US State Department spokesperson mentioned they are "closely watching" reports of the crash.
Azerbaijan's foreign ministry expressed its concern and readiness to provide support, stating, "Azerbaijan is ready to provide all necessary support as a friendly and brotherly state."
Azeri President Ilham Aliyev conveyed his distress over the incident, offering prayers and support for Raisi and his delegation.
Additionally, Iraq has directed its interior ministry, the Red Crescent, and other relevant bodies to assist Iran and support the search for Raisi’s helicopter, as per a statement from the Iraqi government on Sunday.