Officials are concerned that all passengers may have perished

A tragic incident has unfolded in Iran as hope fades for survivors after a helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister crashed into a mountainous area in northwest Iran. Iranian state media reported that no signs of life were detected at the crash site, indicating a grim outcome for the passengers.

The search and rescue operation faced challenges due to blizzards and difficult terrain, hindering efforts to locate the officials who had been missing for over 12 hours. Iranian state news agencies confirmed that the helicopter was completely burned in the crash, leading to fears that all passengers may have perished.

Rescue teams, aided by a Turkish drone that identified the heat source suspected to be the wreckage, struggled to reach the crash site amidst darkness, rain, and muddy conditions. The Iranian armed forces picked up signals from the helicopter and a crew member’s cell phone, providing crucial information to rescuers.

The incident comes at a critical time for Iran, with tensions escalating in the region. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Russia, have offered assistance in the search and rescue efforts. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, and the State Department is closely monitoring the developments.

As the nation awaits further updates on the tragic crash, the Iranian people are urged to remain calm by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The loss of President Raisi and his companions would have significant implications for Iran’s political landscape, as the country grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event.