A helicopter transporting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday was forced to make an emergency landing, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), which did not provide further details immediately.
State television reported that the incident occurred near Jolfa, a city on the border with Azerbaijan, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Iran's capital, Tehran. Raisi had been in Azerbaijan early Sunday to inaugurate the third dam being constructed by the two nations on the Aras River alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Iran operates a variety of helicopters, but international sanctions have made it challenging to obtain spare parts for them. The country's military aircraft fleet also largely dates back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Raisi, 63, is a hardliner who previously led the nation's judiciary. He is considered a protégé of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and some analysts suggest he could succeed the 85-year-old leader after his death or resignation.
As of this report, there are no further details about the incident. It remains unclear whether President Raisi was onboard the helicopter that crashed. Poor weather conditions are believed to have prompted the emergency landing. Despite the swift response of rescue services, IRNA reports that fog is currently hindering a successful rescue operation.
Emergency Landing of Helicopter Carrying Iranian President: Key Questions
The incident involving the emergency landing of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has raised several important questions. Here, we provide answers to some of the most pressing inquiries.
What caused the helicopter to make an emergency landing?
Poor weather conditions are believed to have forced the helicopter to make an emergency landing.
Was President Ebrahim Raisi onboard the helicopter during the incident?
It remains unclear whether President Ebrahim Raisi was onboard the helicopter that made the emergency landing.
Where did the emergency landing take place?
The emergency landing occurred near Jolfa, a city on the border with Azerbaijan, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran.