Iranian TV attributes the crash of President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter to adverse weather conditions, specifically heavy fog. Rescue operations are underway despite the challenging terrain and rainfall hindering access to the crash site.
Raisi, viewed as a potential successor to the supreme leader, was aboard the helicopter along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. The incident occurred during their return journey from a visit to the Iranian-Azerbaijani border in the northwest region of Iran.
"We remain optimistic, but the reports emerging from the crash site are deeply troubling," the official informed Reuters anonymously.
According to state TV, an official stated that at least one passenger and one crew member had established contact with rescuers. However, Iran's Red Crescent refuted this claim, contradicting the report.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vested with ultimate authority over foreign policy and Iran's nuclear program, endeavored to reassure the Iranian populace, affirming that state affairs would continue without interruption.
Iranian state media attributed the crash to adverse weather conditions, which were impeding rescue operations. The Chief of Staff of Iran's Army directed the deployment of all available resources from both the army and the elite Revolutionary Guard to aid in search and rescue efforts.
A local reporter informed state TV, "Despite darkness and rain, the search persists. Rescue teams have arrived in the vicinity... However, the rain has resulted in muddy terrain, complicating the search."
Earlier, the national broadcaster suspended its usual programming to broadcast prayers for Raisi nationwide. Additionally, it provided live coverage of rescue teams navigating the mountainous terrain on foot amidst dense fog.
The rescue teams were anticipated to arrive at the likely crash site later on Sunday evening.
Neighboring countries expressed concern and offered assistance in the rescue efforts. The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the reports regarding the crash. Additionally, the European Union extended aid by offering emergency satellite mapping technology to aid Iran in the search operation.
The crash occurred amidst a backdrop of increasing dissent within Iran, spanning political, social, and economic crises. Tehran's clerical leadership faces mounting international scrutiny over its contentious nuclear program and deepening military cooperation with Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine.
Raisi, aged 63, emerged as a prominent figure in Iranian politics, assuming the presidency in 2021. Since assuming office, he has enforced stricter morality laws, orchestrated a violent crackdown on anti-government protests, and vigorously pursued nuclear negotiations with global powers.
Within Iran's dual political framework, where power is divided between clerical authorities and the government, Raisi's mentor, 85-year-old Khamenei, retains ultimate decision-making authority on major policies. Raisi has long been viewed as a potential successor to Khamenei, with the latter endorsing Raisi's key policies.
Despite Raisi's victory in the 2021 election consolidating power under hardline factions, widespread protests against clerical rule and economic challenges persist due to Western sanctions.
Raisi's presence at the Azerbaijani border on Sunday was for the inauguration of the Qiz-Qalasi Dam, a collaborative project. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, bidding farewell to Raisi earlier in the day, also offered assistance in the rescue effort.