Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi Involved in Helicopter Accident
A helicopter carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi was involved in “an accident” in poor weather conditions on Sunday, state media reported, with a search underway and no news yet on his condition.
Details of the Incident
“An accident happened to the helicopter carrying the president” in the Jofa region of the western province of East Azerbaijan, state television said. Search and rescue teams were headed to the remote mountain area, state media in the Islamic republic reported. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was also aboard the aircraft.
Challenges Faced in the Rescue Efforts
“The harsh weather conditions and heavy fog have made it difficult for the rescue teams to reach the accident site,” state TV said in an on-screen news alert. State TV broadcast footage of an Iranian Red Crescent team walking up a slope in thick fog.
Location and Context
Sunday’s accident happened in the mountainous protected forest area of Dizmar near the town of Varzaghan, said the official IRNA news agency. Raisi was visiting the province where he inaugurated a dam project together with his Azeri counterpart, Ilham Aliev, on the border between the two countries.
Raisi’s Background and Presidency
Raisi has been president of the Islamic Republic since June 2021, succeeding the moderate Hassan Rouhani. He took office during a time when Iran has faced crisis and conflict, dealing with social unrest and economic challenges due to US sanctions over its nuclear program.
Foreign Policy and Regional Relations
In a speech following Sunday’s dam inauguration, Raisi emphasized Iran’s support for Palestinians, a key aspect of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution. He highlighted the importance of solidarity with Palestine and expressed strong views against the Zionist regime.
Early Life and Career
Raisi, born in 1960 in Mashhad, rose to prominence at a young age, holding various positions in the judicial system before becoming president. His religious background and descent from the Prophet Mohammed play a significant role in his public image.