1. Iranian official states President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian’s lives are “at risk” following helicopter crash.
2. Rescue efforts hampered by harsh weather conditions including heavy fog at crash site near Jolfa city.
3. If Raisi is not found alive, Vice President Mokhber will take his place, and new elections will be held within 50 days according to state media.
Iranian officials have expressed concern that the lives of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian are at risk following a helicopter crash in Iran. The incident occurred as they were returning from a ceremony to open a dam on the border with Azerbaijan. State media reports indicate that the crash site is near Jolfa, a city on the border, with conflicting reports about the condition of the passengers. Iranian state media has not provided updates on the condition of the officials on board the helicopter, and rescue efforts have been complicated by harsh weather conditions. Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will take Raisi’s place if he is not found alive, and new elections will be held within 50 days, according to state media.
The crash has prompted prayers for Raisi across Iran, with the government official describing the incident as a “hard landing.” Efforts to rescue those on board have been hampered by heavy fog, and state media did not confirm the condition of the passengers. Video footage from the crash site highlights the challenging weather conditions faced by the rescue teams. Raisi, who is viewed as a favorite of Iran’s Supreme Leader and a potential successor, has faced criticism for his role in the execution of political prisoners in 1988. Despite sanctions imposed by the US, Raisi has remained a prominent figure in Iranian politics.