Iran clarifies helicopter incident involving Raisi

The chief of Iran's armed forces Sunday night ordered an investigation into a helicopter incident involving President Ebrahim Raisi.

Mehr News Agency stated that reports of deaths or injuries among those aboard the helicopter carrying President Raisi were unconfirmed and unreliable. The intelligence service announced the helicopter crash and urged citizens to follow official sources for updates.

The Tehran prosecutor issued a warning to social media activists spreading false news about the incident. Major General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the armed forces, ordered a full investigation and called on the army, IRGC, and police to assist in the search and rescue efforts.

Search operations continued for the helicopter carrying President Raisi, which encountered an incident in northwestern Iran. State television reported the incident occurred in Jolfa, East Azerbaijan Province. Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi told state TV that the helicopter made a hard landing due to poor weather conditions, making communication difficult.

Vahidi confirmed search operations were underway in unfavorable weather, including heavy fog. He mentioned that reaching the helicopter's location in Dezmar Forest near Farzaghan would take time. State TV showed footage of Red Crescent members navigating through dense fog.

Tasnim News Agency reported that two other helicopters reached their destinations safely. IRNA, Iran's official news agency, confirmed President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were among the passengers. IRNA added that over 20 fully equipped rescue teams, including drones and search dogs, were dispatched.