Search for President Raisi intensifies after helicopter crash in Iran

Iran is in a state of panic as President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister remain missing after their helicopter crashed in the mountainous terrain of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. The crash occurred near the city of Jolfa, some 600km northwest of Tehran, amidst thick fog, plummeting temperatures, and heavy rain turning into snowfall.

The Iranian state media attributed the crash to the adverse weather conditions, with conflicting reports emerging from various state-backed media outlets. Initially, state TV claimed that Raisi’s helicopter had been located, only to be contradicted by the Red Crescent. Deputy Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari stated that contact had been made with one of the passengers, who reported feeling unwell and hearing ambulances, but a Republican Guard commander later refuted these claims.

As the search and rescue operation continued, a signal was received from the helicopter and a mobile phone at the crash site, prompting military forces to be dispatched to the area. An unnamed Iranian official expressed concerns about the safety of Raisi and his companions, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Raisi, who was visiting the East Azerbaijan province to inaugurate a dam project with Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliev, was reportedly traveling in a helicopter that was around 30 years old, according to a former air force commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

The rugged and remote terrain of the suspected crash site posed challenges for rescuers, with bad weather hampering their efforts. As darkness fell, rescue workers navigated the difficult terrain on foot, avoiding travel by car due to muddy and impassable roads caused by the rain.

Iran’s Red Crescent faced communication issues with search and rescue teams due to the inclement weather, further complicating the operation. Despite the challenges, neighboring countries like Azerbaijan, Iraq, Qatar, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey offered assistance in the search and rescue efforts.

Turkey, in particular, dispatched a night vision search-and-rescue helicopter along with mountaineer personnel and vehicles to aid in the operation. Saudi Arabia expressed readiness to provide assistance, while the European Union activated its rapid response mapping service at Iran’s request.

State media broadcasted prayers for Raisi’s safety across the country, with the government canceling a cabinet meeting to convene an emergency session with the crisis management committee. In the event of the president’s absence or death, the Iranian constitution outlines a process for the vice president to assume responsibilities with the approval of the supreme leader, followed by the election of a new president within 50 days.

As the search for President Raisi and his companions continues, the nation remains on edge, hoping for a positive outcome amidst the challenging conditions.