Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died following a helicopter crash, as confirmed by Iranian state media on Monday morning.

Details of the Crash

The helicopter carrying Raisi, the Iranian minister of foreign affairs, and other officials crashed on Sunday while traveling through rainy and foggy conditions in the rural mountainous area near Kalibar and Warzghan in northern Iran, close to the borders with Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Red Crescent had initially reported that the helicopter made a "hard landing" but later confirmed it had located the crash site with "no sign of life."

Search and Rescue Operations

Search and rescue operations were launched shortly after the incident. The head of Iran's Red Crescent, Hossein Kolivand, reported to state media, "The president's helicopter has been found. We can see the helicopter and we are moving towards the place. We have no details. Let us get on top of the helicopter to announce the details. We are about two kilometers away from the helicopter." Despite the rescue efforts, weather conditions with fog and rain complicated the operation.

Immediate Reactions

Following the news, Raisi's administration held an emergency meeting on Monday. The incident has garnered international attention, with President Joe Biden being briefed on the crash. The State Department also closely monitored reports of the incident.

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered assistance by sending 50 rescuers, two planes, and one helicopter to aid in the search efforts. Similarly, the Turkish Defense Ministry sent an Akinci UAV and a Cougar-type helicopter equipped with night vision capabilities to help with the rescue operations.

Background and Circumstances

Raisi, 63, was traveling in the area to inaugurate the Khoda Afarin and Qiz Qalasi dams near the Azerbaijan border. The weather conditions in the area were reported to be poor, with heavy fog and rain, which likely contributed to the crash. Former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif suggested in a phone interview that U.S. sanctions on Iranian aviation might have indirectly contributed to the accident by restricting access to necessary aircraft and parts.

Public Statements and Prayers

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a statement asking people to pray for Raisi and the others involved in the crash. "We hope that Almighty God will return the respected and honorable president and his companions to the arms of the nation. Everyone should pray for the health of this group of servants," Khamenei said.

Final Reports

The first reports of trouble with Raisi's helicopter began circulating on state-affiliated media on Sunday around 3:45 p.m. local time. Initially, 40 search-and-rescue teams were dispatched to the area, with additional aircraft sent despite the challenging weather conditions.

The helicopter crash marks a significant event in Iran's recent history, with the loss of President Raisi and key members of his administration. The international community continues to watch closely as details unfold and as Iran navigates the aftermath of this tragic incident.