Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian died when their helicopter crashed in mountainous terrain amid heavy fog, an Iranian official told news agency Reuters. Here are 10 crucial points about this tragic incident:
Initial Report: “Upon finding the helicopter, there was no sign of the helicopter passengers being alive as of yet,” state TV reported. The crash occurred during President Raisi’s return flight to Tabriz after he and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the Qiz Qalasi Dam on their shared border.
#BREAKING No survivors from helicopter crash involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, says Iranian state television pic.twitter.com/Z34ITa1rVG
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) May 20, 2024
Crash Details: The helicopter, carrying President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials, lost contact approximately 30 minutes into the flight. This loss of communication sparked immediate concerns and a massive search and rescue operation.
Following detection by Akinci UAV, Iranian Red Crescent announces they have found location of wreckage of President Raisi’s helicopter and that 2 km is left to reach it pic.twitter.com/Z6OekpcBzp
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) May 20, 2024
Accident Reports: Initial reports from Iran’s state media described the situation as an “accident.” Iran’s Deputy President for Executive Affairs, Mohsen Mansouri, noted that two members of the president’s entourage had contacted rescue teams, indicating the crash might not have been immediately catastrophic. The Ministry of Communications narrowed the potential crash site to within a two-kilometer radius.
Phone Contact: Iranian state media reported that Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mehdi Safari claimed the Tabriz Friday prayer leader had managed to speak with President Raisi, 63, via phone from the downed helicopter. “Mehdi Safari, who was present in one of the three helicopters carrying President Raisi’s entourage, said the Tabriz Friday prayer leader had made a phone call to the president from inside the crashed copter,” the report reads.
Official Statements: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged calm and assured the nation that there would be no disruption in governance. “We hope that Almighty God will bring our dear president and his companions back in full health into the arms of the nation,” he stated in a televised address.
Search and Rescue Efforts: The search effort has been extensive, involving more than 60 rescue teams, including army, Revolutionary Guard forces, and police units, scouring the foggy, mountainous terrain. Harsh weather conditions and heavy fog have significantly hampered these efforts. Iran’s Red Crescent chief, Pirhossein Koolivand, said the team detected a “smell of fuel” in one area, which rescue teams are now converging on.
International Support: The international community has expressed concern and offered assistance. Neighboring countries and organizations, including Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Russia, Turkey, and the European Union, have pledged support. The EU has activated its rapid response mapping service to aid the search efforts.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS
The news of the crash has reverberated globally, prompting reactions from several world leaders. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his deep concern and extended his prayers for Raisi’s safety. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed his worries and wished for positive news regarding Raisi’s well-being.
In the United States, a State Department spokesperson indicated that they are “closely watching” the reports of the crash. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry and President Ilham Aliyev expressed their deep concern and readiness to assist Iran. Aliyev, who had met Raisi earlier in the day, stated, “Our prayers to Allah Almighty are with President Ebrahim Raisi and the accompanying delegation.”
Indian Prime Minister’s Response: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his “deep concern” in a social media post. “Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for the well-being of the President and his entourage,” he said on X.
US Monitoring: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani conveyed gratitude for the international solidarity and offers of help. US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, with a State Department spokesman confirming they are closely monitoring developments.
Regional Context: This incident follows a period of heightened regional tensions, particularly in light of the Gaza conflict and Iran’s recent escalations with Israel. President Raisi, who has been in office since 2021, has pledged Iran’s steadfast support for Palestine, a stance reiterated during his recent dam inauguration speech.
The world watches closely as search and rescue operations continue, hoping for a positive outcome amid the ongoing efforts.
