Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister were involved in a helicopter crash while returning from a dam project inauguration on the border with Azerbaijan. The crash occurred in a remote area near Jolfa in East Azerbaijan province, prompting a massive search and rescue operation involving 20 teams and drones.
While Raisi and his entourage were in the crashed helicopter, two others safely made it back to Tabriz. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and poor weather conditions have been hampering rescue efforts, with heavy rain, fog, and wind making access to the crash site difficult.
In the absence of President Raisi, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will assume power, holding a PhD in international law. Calls for prayers for Raisi’s safety have been circulating following the confirmation of the crash, as details are still unclear.
The incident has raised questions about the maintenance of Iran’s aging helicopters, as many date back to before the country’s Islamic revolution due to sanctions and financial constraints. While there are no confirmed reports on the type of helicopters involved, speculation points to army helicopters or Red Crescent aircraft.
As the world watches the developments, Iran mobilizes to locate President Raisi and the other officials aboard the crashed helicopter, hoping for a safe and successful rescue operation.
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