Touchaheart – A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials has suffered a “hard landing” in East Azerbaijan province, according to Iranian state media.
The incident occurred near Jolfa, a city bordering Azerbaijan, about 600 kilometers (375 miles) northwest of Tehran, the Iranian capital.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Weather
Rescue teams have been dispatched to the area, but their efforts are being hindered by harsh weather conditions and heavy fog.
The Interior Minister, Ahmed Vahidi, said that further details about the crash are still being expected.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and the governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province were among the officials on board the helicopter.
Their condition, as well as that of President Raisi, is currently unknown.
READ MORE: Atiku Abubakar: I’ll Support Peter Obi in 2027 If..
Inauguration of Dam
Earlier in the day, President Raisi was in Azerbaijan with President Ilham Aliyev to inaugurate a dam, the third one built by both countries on the Aras River.
The US State Department said it was “closely following reports of a possible hard landing of a helicopter in Iran carrying the Iranian president and foreign minister”.
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, also said he was “monitoring the situation closely”.
Concerns and Uncertainty
There is a feeling of uncertainty in Tehran, with many waiting to hear more about the incident ².
The crash has raised concerns about the safety of President Raisi and the other officials on board.
