By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

A helicopter carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials crashed while returning from East Azerbaijan, leaving the nation gripped with concern over the fate of its leader and those aboard.

President Raisi, along with Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Governor Malek Rahmati, and Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, was returning from the inauguration of a cooperative dam project near Iran’s border with Azerbaijan when the incident occurred.

The Incident

Reports initially surfaced on social media, quickly picked up by local news outlets, indicating a helicopter crash in the president’s convoy. However, an initial report suggesting Raisi’s safety was taken down after state television confirmed his presence on the missing helicopter, describing the incident as a “hard landing”.

The Search Efforts

Emergency crews, including twenty rescue teams and drones, were dispatched to the remote area near Jolfa in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, where the helicopter went down. However, adverse weather conditions, characterized by heavy rain, fog, and wind, have hampered rescue efforts.

Who was on Board?

Apart from President Raisi, the helicopter carried prominent officials, including Iran’s Foreign Minister and the Governor of East Azerbaijan Province. While two of the three helicopters in the president’s convoy returned safely, the fate of those aboard the crashed aircraft remains uncertain.

The Nation’s Response

The news of President Raisi’s disappearance has prompted calls for prayers for his safety and that of his companions. Amidst the uncertainty, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber stands ready to assume power in Raisi’s absence.

The Helicopter’s Condition

Details about the helicopter’s type and condition remain undisclosed. Iran’s fleet of helicopters, primarily dating back to pre-revolutionary times, faces challenges in maintenance and spare parts procurement due to sanctions and financial constraints.

Leadership in Absence

Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, entrusted with overseeing Ayatollah Khamenei’s orders, is poised to lead the nation in Raisi’s absence, providing continuity in governance during this critical period.

As Iran awaits updates on the search and rescue efforts, the nation remains unified in hope and prayer for the safe return of its president and fellow citizens.