On Sunday, Iranian President Ebrahim Rasi and his delegation were involved in a tragic accident while on a visit to the border between Iran and Azerbaijan. According to reports from state media and the Iranian mission to the United Nations, the helicopter carrying Rasi crashed during landing in the Jolfa region, close to the border with Azerbaijan. Despite an extensive search operation involving 20 teams, including drones, the crash site has not been found as of nearly five hours later.
On the same day, Raisi had inaugurated a dam on the Aras River with Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev. This project was described as an advance in bilateral relations by leaders. During the ceremony, Raisi emphasized the relevance of the Palestinian issue to the Islamic world.
The crash was a major blow for Iranians who were praying for their leader’s safety. The official news agency of Islamic Republic (IRNA) reported that both Raisi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir Abdolahian were at risk of losing their lives. Ahmad Vahidi, interior minister confirmed that one of the helicopters was forced to land due to bad weather and fog. Members of Supreme National Security Council and senior government officials traveled to Tabriz to monitor rescue efforts.
Raisi’s official Instagram account and state television called on Iranians to pray for him and his entourage. If Raisi passes away before completing his term, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will likely succeed him as per Iranian law. New elections will be called within six months if this happens.
The incident highlights how dangerous it can be for politicians traveling internationally and how important it is for them to have proper safety protocols in place. It also brings attention to how unpredictable weather conditions can impact even experienced pilots.
In conclusion, this tragic incident serves as a reminder that even in times of celebration and progress, accidents can happen without warning. We wish all those involved in this incident a speedy recovery and hope that they continue their work towards building stronger relationships between nations.
