Iranian state media have reported that a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian is currently missing after seemingly crashing in the mountains of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.
The status of those on board the helicopter remains unknown as rescue efforts continue to be hampered by low visibility and rough terrain.
The Incident
Iranian state media initially reported that the helicopter suffered a “hard landing” while making a return flight from the border with Azerbaijan, where Raisi met with Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev for bilateral talks and the inauguration ceremony of a hydroelectric dam along the Araz River.
More photos of the last moments of President Raisi and FM Amir Abdollhaian helicopter caught on camera carrying them from the border with Azerbaijan to Tabriz before the crash/hard landing more than four hours ago – IRNA pic.twitter.com/mtoAgapsbk
— Fazel Hawramy (@FazelHawramy) May 19, 2024
The Search
Several hours into the search, the crash site has yet to be located as heavy fog continues to be an issue impacting search and rescue operations by limiting visibility for both air and ground crews. Rescue helicopters were also grounded due to the weather conditions.
#WATCH | Footage shows the search operations and the weather conditions, including fog in the area as 40 teams are participating in the search for the #Iranian president's helicopter.#Iran pic.twitter.com/vtzJmdSbaP
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 19, 2024
Night time and dropping temperatures are quickly approaching, which will further hamper rescue efforts and pose a danger to survivors of the crash, if any.
Responses
Several state media outlets have begun broadcasting prayers or asking Iranians to pray for Raisi’s health.
Meanwhile, Tehran Times has reported that an emergency session of the Supreme National Security Council has been held with Ayatollah Khamenei.
President Raisi's Instagram is now asking followers to pray for the health of the Iranian president after the helicopter crash. pic.twitter.com/kj2w5bue2n
— Séamus Malekafzali (@Seamus_Malek) May 19, 2024