Helicopter Carrying Iran’s President Suffers Hard Landing
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter has experienced a “hard landing,” according to state television. The incident occurred near Jolfa in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, and details are still emerging as search operations continue. This comes just a day after Raisi was in neighboring Azerbaijan to inaugurate a dam alongside President Ilham Aliyev.
State media reported that three helicopters were in the convoy accompanying President Raisi. While two of the helicopters returned safely, the president’s helicopter did not. Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the supreme leader’s representative in the province, were also on board with Raisi.
Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian and Housing and Transportation Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash were in the other helicopters that made it back without incident. This information highlights the high-profile nature of the passengers involved in this dangerous situation.
According to the semiofficial Tasnim News Agency, those inside Raisi’s helicopter managed to make an emergency call. This call has raised hopes that the incident may conclude without fatalities. However, the current status of the passengers remains uncertain.
Interior Minister Amir Vahidi has informed state television that rescue teams are en route to the site of the incident. However, their efforts are hampered by fog and poor weather conditions. Vahidi also mentioned that there was initial radio contact with the helicopter, but communication has since been lost.
The government news website IRNA has reported that the helicopter is believed to have crashed in the Dizmar protected area. This region is known for its challenging terrain, being both forested and mountainous, which complicates rescue efforts.
There has been no confirmation yet on the type of helicopter involved in the incident. This lack of information leaves many questions unanswered about the potential causes of the hard landing and the prospects for those on board.
As search and rescue operations continue, the situation remains tense. The Iranian government and the families of those involved are undoubtedly anxious for updates. Further details are expected to be released as soon as they become available.
