The reported crash of a helicopter transporting Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday has reverberated across the region, sparking concern and uncertainty.
Here's what we currently understand about the situation:
Who was aboard the helicopter and their destination?
The helicopter carried Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, the governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, and other officials and guards, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Raisi was returning from a visit to Iran’s border with Azerbaijan, where he had participated in the inauguration of a dam with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
Where and how did the helicopter crash?
The helicopter seemingly crashed or performed an emergency landing in the Dizmar forest between Varzaqan and Jolfa cities in Iran's East Azerbaijan province, near the border with Azerbaijan. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. Initially, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi stated that adverse weather conditions and fog forced the helicopter to make a hard landing.
What is the status of search efforts?
Iranian officials have cited the mountainous, forested terrain and dense fog as significant obstacles to search-and-rescue operations. Pir-Hossein Koulivand, president of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, indicated that 40 search teams were deployed despite the challenging weather. Ground teams are conducting the search, as aerial searches via drones are impossible due to the weather conditions.
How might Raisi'sntial demise affect Iran? pote
Raisi is considered a protege of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a potential successor within the country’s Shiite theocracy. Should Raisi perish, Mohammad Mokhber, the first vice president, would assume the presidency according to the Iranian constitution. Khamenei has assured Iranians that the country's operations would continue without disruption.
What has been the international response?
Several nations, including Russia, Iraq, and Qatar, have expressed formal concern about Raisi's fate and offered assistance in search operations. Azerbaijani President Aliyev conveyed deep concern and readiness to provide support. Despite strained relations due to Azerbaijan’s ties with Israel, Saudi Arabia also expressed concern and solidarity with Iran in this challenging time. There has been no immediate official response from Israel.
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