A helicopter carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi made a “hard landing” near Iran’s western border on May 19, as reported by Iranian state TV. The incident occurred while President Raisi was en route to Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, which borders Azerbaijan.
According to the state-run news agency IRNA, the mishap took place between Jofa and Varzaqan in the East Azerbaijan province, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran. Onboard the helicopter were Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, the governor of East Azerbaijan province, several officials, bodyguards, and the Imam of Friday Prayer in Tabriz. They were traveling towards Tabriz, one of Iran’s largest cities.
The official media reported that the convoy included three helicopters, two of which landed safely, while one crashed. This occurred after President Raisi had inaugurated a dam on the Aras River with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev earlier that day. The dam is a joint project between the two countries.
The helicopter had an accident in the Varzeghan area of East Azerbaijan province due to adverse weather conditions, as confirmed by Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi. Rescue teams were dispatched to the accident site, but their efforts were hindered by difficult weather conditions and heavy fog. The Iranian Red Crescent deployed 14 separate search and rescue teams, though they had not yet reached the helicopter.
Air ambulances and drones have also been deployed for the operation. However, no information was immediately available on the status of President Raisi and others involved. An official quoted by Reuters mentioned that the lives of Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian were “at risk following the helicopter crash” and expressed concern about the severity of the incident.
Iran’s state TV suspended regular programs to broadcast visuals of the search teams and live footage of people praying for the safety of those onboard the helicopter. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urged the nation to pray for President Raisi and his entourage, reassuring that the country’s administration would not be disrupted.
President Raisi was returning from Azerbaijan when the helicopter encountered bad weather conditions on Sunday afternoon. Iranian Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri stated that officials had made contact with two people on the same helicopter as Raisi, suggesting the incident might not have been severe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the incident, offering solidarity and prayers for the well-being of President Raisi and his entourage. Similar sentiments were echoed by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry.
The Iranian military and various rescue teams continue to search the dense fog-covered area in the Varzaghan District. Despite the challenging conditions, efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the passengers of the helicopter.
The Head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society, Pir Hossein Koulivand, stated that rescue teams are still searching for the accident site. “Rescue crews haven’t yet located the crash site of the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi,” Koulivand told Iranian state TV IRINN, as reported by CNN.
Earlier, the IRGC commander for East Azerbaijan province had announced that the military had identified the crash site and that forces were en route to the location. Signals were reportedly detected from the helicopter and a crew member’s mobile phone.
Despite these efforts, the helicopter’s location remains unknown over 10 hours after losing contact. Dense fog in East Azerbaijan Province has hindered search operations. The EU has activated its rapid response mapping service to assist, and Turkey is sending search and rescue personnel and equipment, including a night vision helicopter.
President Raisi was returning from Azerbaijan with several officials when the incident occurred.
