Iranian Rescue Teams Search for Helicopter Carrying President Raisi

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other senior officials went down during the president's return journey, prompting rescue teams to launch a search operation.

Rescue teams in Iran are currently engaged in an intensive search operation for a helicopter that went down while carrying President Ebrahim Raisi and other high-ranking officials. According to the state-run IRNA media outlet, the aircraft crashed as the president was returning from a trip to the southwestern province of Kermanshah.

The exact location of the crash remains unknown, with conflicting reports emerging from various sources. However, IRNA has indicated that the incident occurred near the city of Saravan in southeastern Iran, close to the border with Pakistan.

The fate of President Raisi and the other passengers aboard the helicopter is currently uncertain. Local authorities have confirmed that rescue teams have been dispatched to the scene, and a full-scale search operation is underway. The cause of the crash is also yet to be determined, with investigations likely to commence once the wreckage is located.

Meanwhile, President Raisi's scheduled visit to the earthquake-hit region of Habashan has been postponed due to the incident. The president had planned to inspect the damage caused by the recent earthquake and meet with affected residents. However, the postponement of his visit has raised concerns among the local population, who were expecting the president's presence to provide solace and support during this challenging time.

The Iranian government has urged the public to remain calm and not spread unfounded rumors or speculation about the incident. The authorities have emphasized that all necessary resources are being deployed to locate the missing helicopter and ensure the safety of its passengers.

International observers are closely monitoring the situation, with the United States and other countries expressing concern about the incident. The United States has offered assistance if needed, while the United Nations has called for a swift and transparent investigation into the crash.

The search operation is expected to continue throughout the night, with rescue teams utilizing helicopters, drones, and thermal imaging technology to locate the missing aircraft. The Iranian Air Force and the Iranian Red Crescent Society are also assisting in the efforts.

As the search continues, the Iranian people and the international community await further updates on the fate of President Raisi and his fellow passengers. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with air travel, particularly in remote or mountainous regions.