A helicopter in a convoy transporting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reportedly crashed in East Azerbaijan, as per media reports on Sunday. State television confirmed that rescuers are attempting to reach the crash site, but details about the incident and those on board remain unclear.
Reports suggest that Iran‘s Finance Minister, Amir Abdollahian, was also aboard the helicopter with President Raisi. According to the Tehran Times, the convoy consisted of three helicopters, two of which successfully reached their destination.
President Raisi was in East Azerbaijan province for the inauguration of the Qiz-Qalasi Dam. Iran operates a range of helicopters, but international sanctions have made it challenging to secure parts for them. Additionally, much of the country’s military air fleet dates back to the pre-1979 Islamic Revolution era.
Ebrahim Raisi, 63, is known for his hardline stance and previously led Iran’s judiciary. He is considered a protégé of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with some analysts speculating that Raisi could potentially succeed the 85-year-old leader.
