Iran's President Raisi and FM Amirabdollahian Missing After Helicopter Accident: Rescue Efforts Underway in Jolfa

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were involved in a helicopter accident in East Azerbaijan province, with rescue efforts underway amidst challenging weather conditions. The incident occurred during their return from an event with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, highlighting concerns over Iran's aging helicopter fleet.

On Sunday, a helicopter carrying Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian made a hard landing in East Azerbaijan province. The incident occurred near Jolfa, a city bordering Azerbaijan, about 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran, according to Iranian state television.

Rescue teams are on the scene, trying to locate the helicopter and ensure the safety of those on board. Reports indicate that two other helicopters in the convoy landed safely, while the third experienced difficulties.

President Raisi, 63, a former judiciary chief and a close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was returning from an event where he and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated a dam on the Aras River. The dam is the third collaborative project between Iran and Azerbaijan on this river.

Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi confirmed the hard landing and stated that bad weather conditions had complicated rescue efforts. Drone units have been deployed to assist in the search and rescue operation.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society is involved in the rescue operations, facing challenges due to the difficult weather conditions. So far, there have been no updates on the exact condition of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and the other passengers.

The helicopter fleet in Iran has struggled with maintenance issues due to international sanctions, which have made it difficult to obtain parts. This fleet largely consists of aircraft dating back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Further information will be provided as rescue operations continue and more details become available.