Iran president latest: Ebrahim Raisi’s life ‘at risk’ after helicopter crash

Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi‘s life is at risk after his helicopter crashed in a “very concerning” accident amid heavy fog in northern Iran.

The aircraft had a “rough landing” near Jolfa, the Iranian city on the border of Azerbaijan exclave Nakhchivan, around 600 kilometers (375 miles) northwest of the Iranian capital Tehran.

It was carrying Raisi, 63, and Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian following a visit with the Azerbaijani president to discuss an infrastructure project over the Aras River.

An Iranian official acknowleged their lives were “at risk” and said information coming from the crash site was “very concerning” with 16 teams trying to locate the helicopter.

Ambulances and surgeons have been deployed to the crash site but it is difficult to reach because of foggy weather, Iran’s health minister said.

Bahram Eynollahi said: “We have deployed all the medical facilities, ambulance, surgeons, and everyone in the area and we hope to start treatment immediately after the president and his companions are found.

“Unfortunately, due to the harsh weather conditions and very foggy conditions, it is difficult to search.”

More than 20 rescue teams including search dogs and drones have been deployed to find the helicopter crash site, according to Iranian state media.

The Iran Press news agency reported the president’s helicopter crashed between Uzi and Pir Dawood villages in Varzeghan.

Groups of rangers and special forces of the armed forces are also present in the area to help in the search operation being carried out amid heavy fog.

The United States is following reports that a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has crashed in a “very concerning” accident.

“We are closely following reports of a possible hard landing of a helicopter in Iran carrying the Iranian president and foreign minister. We have no further comment at this time,” A US state department spokesperson told The Independent.

An Iranian official has said Tehran is “still hopeful” but information coming from the crash site is “very concerning” after a helicopter carrying president President Ebrahim Raisi crashed amid heavy fog.

The aircraft had a “rough landing” near Jolfa, the Iranian city on the border of Azerbaijan exclave Nakhchivan, around 600 kilometers (375 miles) northwest of the Iranian capital Tehran.

It was carrying Raisi, 63, and Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian following a visit with the Azerbaijani president to discuss an infrastructure project over the Aras River.

Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian were visiting a site along the Aras River to discuss the ongoing construction of a bridge linking Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan, which borders Iran.

The route, described as the Aras corridor, would link Azerbaijan to the exclave through through a 220m long road bridge intended to boost trade.

This project dates back to September 2022, and was designed to facilitate the passing of 1,100 vehicles through the border checkpoint every day.

The aircraft had a “rough landing” near Jolfa, the Iranian city on the border of Azerbaijan exclave Nakhchivan, around 600 kilometers (375 miles) northwest of the Iranian capital Tehran.

It was carrying Raisi, 63, and Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian following a visit with the Azerbaijani president to discuss an infrastructure project over the Aras River.

It was described as a crash by a local official, but he acknowledged an enormous search operation involving 16 teams had yet to locate the helicopter to confirm the extent of the incident.

State media has yet to report on casualties or confirm the whereabouts or condition of the president – but urged Iranians to pray for the president.

Raisi, 63, is a hard-liner who formerly led the country’s judiciary. He is viewed as a protege of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and some analysts have suggested he could replace the 85-year-old leader after his death or resignation from the role.

He has been in power since 2021 when he won the country’s last presidential election, which saw the lowest voter turnout in the Islamic Republic’s history.

He currently is subject to US sanctions over his involvement in the mass execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988.