Important Statement from Iran’s Vice President
According to Iranian media, rescue authorities have reestablished contact with the helicopter crew. Iran’s Vice President and head of the rescue operation, Mohsen Mansouri, stated in an interview that multiple contacts have been made with the two passengers accompanying the President, and it appears the accident was not severe.
Interview with Iran’s Vice President Mohsen Mansouri
Mansouri further explained that three helicopters were en route when the helicopter carrying the President lost contact with the other two. The remaining helicopters attempted to locate the President’s helicopter and successfully made contact with one of the passengers and the pilot, indicating the accident’s severity was minimal.
Immediately following the incident, the Red Crescent Rescue Committee, police, military, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were deployed to the area to organize emergency activities and distribute tasks.
Special Prayer from the Supreme Leader
Meanwhile, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei offered prayers for the President and the others accompanying him, hoping for their safe return.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
During a meeting with the soldiers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and their families, the Supreme Leader expressed concern over the accident and prayed for the safe return of the President and his companions to the nation’s embrace. He urged everyone to pray for the safety of this dedicated group.
The Supreme Leader reassured the Iranian public not to worry and emphasized that the country’s activities would not be disrupted. He assured that all government functions continue as usual.
Initial Details of the Accident
It is noteworthy that the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had to make an emergency landing, posing risks to the lives of the President and the Foreign Minister.
According to the Iranian news agency, President Raisi’s helicopter made an emergency landing in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. Besides the President, the helicopter carried the Iranian Foreign Minister and the Governor of East Azerbaijan province.
Last Image of the Helicopter Before the Accident
According to Iran’s state television, the incident occurred near the city of Jolfa, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of the capital Tehran, near the Azerbaijan border.
President Raisi was returning from inaugurating a dam in Azerbaijan when his helicopter faced an emergency landing.