Iranian President Raisi’s Helicopter Crashes in Mountains, Rescuers Race Against Time
DUBAI, May 19 (Reuters) – In a dramatic turn of events, a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed on Sunday. The incident occurred while they were navigating mountainous terrain in heavy fog, as reported by an Iranian official to Reuters.
The lives of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian are currently at risk following this helicopter crash. The crash took place as they were returning from a visit to Iran’s border with Azerbaijan.
“We are still hopeful but information coming from the crash site is very concerning,” stated the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The challenging weather conditions have complicated rescue efforts, according to the state news agency IRNA. In response, the chief of staff of Iran’s army has mobilized all available resources from the army and the elite Revolutionary Guard to assist in the search and rescue operations.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Heavy Fog
State television has halted all regular programming to broadcast prayers for Raisi nationwide. Meanwhile, in a corner of the screen, live coverage shows rescue teams advancing on foot through the mountainous area shrouded in heavy fog.
The rescue teams are expected to reach the crash site later on Sunday evening, as reported by state TV.
Ebrahim Raisi, 63, who was elected president in 2021, has been a prominent figure in Iranian political landscape. Iranian Since assuming office, he has enforced stricter morality laws, overseen a severe crackdown on anti-government protests, and taken a hardline stance in nuclear negotiations with world powers.
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In Iran’s unique political system, which is divided between the clerical establishment and the government, the supreme leader holds the ultimate authority over major policies. However, Raisi is viewed as a potential successor to his 85-year-old mentor, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has strongly endorsed Raisi’s policies.
Raisi’s election in 2021 marked a shift towards hardline control over all branches of power, following the eight-year presidency of pragmatist Hassan Rouhani, who had negotiated a nuclear deal with the United States.
However, Raisi’s reputation has been tarnished by widespread protests against the clerical regime and his inability to revive Iran’s economy, which continues to suffer under Western sanctions.
The president was at the Azerbaijani border to inaugurate the Qiz-Qalaisi Dam, a joint venture.
Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi confirmed to state TV that one of the three helicopters in the group had crashed, and that authorities were still awaiting more information.
The nation anxiously awaits updates as rescuers strive to reach the crash site and bring back any news of the president and the foreign minister’s condition.
