A helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran crashed on Sunday, in accordance with Iranian state media and the nation’s mission to the United Nations, however has but to be discovered by search-and-rescue staff due to heavy fog.
Mr. Raisi, 63, has lengthy been a distinguished determine in Iran. As president, he oversees the entire work of the federal government and is the second strongest particular person in Iran’s political construction after the supreme chief, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
It was not instantly identified what brought about the crash of the helicopter, which was additionally carrying Iran’s international minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian.
State tv didn’t report on any casualties or the situation of the president, however it urged the general public to hope for the security of Mr. Raisi, who was elected in 2021, and those that have been touring with him. The president’s official web site additionally posted a message requesting prayers.
The state information company IRNA reported that an infinite search operation involving 20 search and rescue groups, together with drones and canine, was underway. Inclement climate, the studies mentioned, was hampering the hassle. The groups had but to find the crash web site after virtually 5 hours.
“Given the complexities of the area, connection has been tough, and we hope that the rescue groups attain the helicopter and can provide us extra info,” Ahmad Vahidi, Iran’s inside minister, informed state tv.
The pinnacle of Iran’s Pink Crescent Society, Pirhossein Koulivand, informed the semiofficial Tasnim information company that the crash had occurred in “an impenetrable space.” He mentioned he was on his approach there and that search groups had been deployed from a number of provinces.
Movies airing on Iranian state tv confirmed rescue groups driving alongside mountain roads in thick fog and groups strolling on inexperienced hills sporting red-and-white vests.
Mr. Raisi was on an official go to to northwestern Iran. A delegation of ministers traveled with him in a convoy of three helicopters, state media reported, including that the 2 different plane had reached their locations.
Listed below are the most recent developments:
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The federal government canceled a deliberate cupboard assembly and as an alternative convened an emergency assembly with the nation’s disaster administration committee, state media reported.
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Iran’s legislation stipulates that if the president dies, energy is transferred to the primary vp and an election should be known as inside six months. The primary vp is Mohammad Mokhber, a conservative politician.
