A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister crashed on Sunday in heavy fog while crossing mountainous terrain on their return from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan, an Iranian official said.
The official mentioned that Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian’s lives were “at risk following the helicopter crash.” “We are still hopeful but information coming from the crash site is very concerning,” said the official, who requested anonymity.
The bad weather complicated rescue efforts, according to reports. National TV interrupted regular programming to broadcast prayers for Raisi and live coverage of rescue teams searching the mountainous area on foot in the heavy fog.
Raisi, 63, was elected president in 2021 and has since implemented stricter morality laws, led a harsh crackdown on anti-government protests, and pushed forward in nuclear talks with world powers. In Iran’s dual political system, where power is divided between the clerical establishment and the government, the supreme leader has the final say on major policies. Raisi is seen as a potential successor to the 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who supports Raisi’s main policies.
Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi reported that one of three helicopters had come down hard and that further details were awaited. Raisi had visited the Azerbaijani border to inaugurate the Qiz-Qalaisi Dam, a joint project.
Who Is President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran?
Ebrahim Raisi, 63, a hard-line cleric, was elected president of Iran in 2021. He has expanded Iran’s regional influence by supporting militant proxies, advancing the nuclear program, and escalating tensions with Israel. During his tenure, Iran faced significant antigovernment protests and economic challenges due to international sanctions and high unemployment.
Raisi is seen as a likely successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the highest political and religious authority in Iran.
What Is Raisi’s Background?
Raisi was born in Mashhad in 1960 to a devoutly religious family. He became involved in the Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the monarchy in 1979. As a religious scholar and protégé of Khamenei, Raisi advanced through the judiciary, serving as a prosecutor in various cities. He was part of a committee that ordered the execution of thousands of political dissidents in 1988, leading to accusations of human rights violations and U.S. sanctions.
How Has Raisi’s Presidency Been?
During Raisi’s presidency, large antigovernment protests erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. The government responded with a brutal crackdown. Iran has continued its uranium-enrichment and ballistic missile programs. Tensions with Israel intensified after a significant attack last month. Iran also emerged as a key supplier of military drones to Russia and restored diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in 2023.