President Raisi's Helicopter Crashes in Iran: Latest Updates

The world is watching as Iran mobilizes rescue workers to search for President Ebrahim Raisi, whose helicopter was traveling in a convoy and crashed in a remote area near Jolfa in East Azerbaijan province.

He returned from Iran's border with Azerbaijan, where he is embarking on a joint dam project with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the latest sign of improving relations between the two countries. Twenty rescue teams and drones were dispatched to the area where the helicopter crashed.

Information about this incident is slowly coming to light, but here's what we know so far. what happened?

Reports that a helicopter crashed into the presidential motorcade first spread on social media and were soon picked up by local media. State-run news website Mehr first reported that Raisi had chosen to drive to Tabriz due to foggy weather and was safe.

The message was later deleted after state television confirmed that Raisi and other officials were on board the missing helicopter. State television reported that the helicopter "made a hard landing." Who was on the helicopter?

Traveling with Ebrahim Raisi were Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian, Iranian Governor of East Azerbaijan Province Malek Rahmati, and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's representative in East Azerbaijan, Mohammad Ali.・It was Abba Are Hashem. According to state media.

Did all three helicopters disappear?

No, two of the three presidential escort helicopters returned safely to Tabriz City.

The helicopter that returned safely included Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian and Housing and Transport Minister Mehrdad Bazurpash. What is the problem? Why can't the helicopter passengers be found?

State television reported that rescue workers were on their way to the scene and that dozens of rescue workers, as well as several ambulances and drones, were also being used in the search.

However, all efforts were hampered by inclement weather with reports of heavy rain, fog and some wind.

IRNA news agency reported that the area was a "forest" that was difficult to access. How do people feel? What do you say?

After news of President Raisi's helicopter disappearance was confirmed, Iranians were called to pray for the safety of the president and those on board his plane.

The government has not said much because many details are still unclear.

Was there something wrong with his helicopter? It has not yet been confirmed what type of helicopter transported Raisi and his entourage. It could have been a military helicopter or a Red Crescent plane.

Iran operates a large number of helicopters, many of which predate the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Sanctions and financial restrictions have made it difficult for Iran to purchase spare parts, making maintenance a challenge.

Who is in charge of Iran while the president is missing? Vice President Mohammad Mokbel, 69, will assume power in Raisi's absence or, if necessary, during his recovery.

Mokber, who has headed the council tasked with overseeing the implementation of Khamenei's orders since 2007, holds a doctorate in international law.