Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter reportedly experienced a "hard landing" on Sunday, leading to conflicting reports about the incident and the president's well-being.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was reportedly involved in a helicopter incident on Sunday, according to Iranian state media. The helicopter, carrying Raisi and other officials, experienced a "hard landing" in Iran's East Azerbaijan province near the city of Jolfa.
Various rescue teams were dispatched to the site, but heavy fog and poor weather conditions may delay their arrival. Iranian state TV later reported that search teams had located the helicopter and made contact with one passenger and one crew member.
Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, with conflicting reports emerging. One local government official described the incident as a "crash," while others have referred to it as a "hard landing." Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was also reportedly aboard the helicopter.
Raisi's condition following the incident remains unknown, and Iranian authorities have yet to release an official statement. However, the incident has raised concerns about the president's safety and the potential implications for Iran's political stability.
Raisi had been in Azerbaijan earlier on Sunday to inaugurate a dam with Azerbaijan's President, Ilham Aliyev. The visit came despite ongoing tensions between the two countries, including over a gun attack on Azerbaijan's Embassy in Tehran in 2023 and Azerbaijan's diplomatic relations with Israel.
The incident has also sparked international attention. The Associated Press contributed to this report, highlighting the significance of the situation and the need for accurate information.
Experts are closely monitoring the situation and awaiting further updates from Iranian authorities. The outcome of the incident and its potential impact on Iran's domestic and foreign policies remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, rescue teams continue their efforts to reach the crash site and provide assistance to any injured passengers or crew members. It is crucial to await reliable information from official sources and avoid speculation that can lead to misinformation.
