Massive Search for Raisi After Helicopter Crash

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed in northern Iran on Sunday, triggering a massive search operation as temperatures plummet in the mountainous region. The crash occurred in East Azerbaijan province, and both Raisi and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian were on board. Their conditions remain unknown.

The crash took place early Sunday afternoon, and the search involves military drones and dozens of rescue teams, according to state media. Initial reports indicate that contact was made with some passengers, but poor weather conditions, including fog and extreme cold, have hindered rescue efforts.

Late Sunday night, a regional commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the crash site had been located via a signal from the helicopter and a crew member’s mobile phone. Military forces are currently en route to the site, hoping for positive news.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and Raisi’s official Instagram account have called on the nation to pray for the president and his entourage. Khamenei assured citizens in a video statement, saying, “People of Iran, do not worry. There will be no disruption in the work of the country.”

The crash happened as Raisi and Abdollahian were returning from a dam inauguration near the Azerbaijan border. Two other helicopters in their convoy safely reached their destinations. Officials have pinpointed a 2-kilometer radius for the crash site in the Dizmar Forest area, between the villages of Ozi and Pir Davood.

Iranian Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri, after speaking with survivors, suggested the crash was “not severe.” However, rescue efforts are complicated by poor weather and low visibility. Health Minister Bahram Eynollahi reported that treatment facilities have been established nearby, and all medical and emergency services are deployed.

Helicopters from Tabriz Air Force’s 6th combat base attempted to reach the site but were thwarted by bad weather. International assistance has been offered, with Iraq and Azerbaijan extending help and the European Union activating its satellite mapping service. Turkey has dispatched a night-vision search helicopter, 32 mountaineer rescuers, and six vehicles. U.S. President Joe Biden has also been briefed on the incident.