World

Fate of Iranian President Uncertain After Helicopter Crash

TEHRAN, IRAN - JUNE 18: Ebrahim Raisi, a candidate in Iran's presidential elections waves to the media after casting his vote at a polling station on June 18, 2021, on the day of the Islamic republic's presidential election. The country's incumbent president, Hassan Rouhani, is ineligible to run again after serving two terms in office. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

TEHRAN – Iranian state television has reported “no sign of life” at the wreckage site of a helicopter that was carrying President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The helicopter, part of a three-vehicle convoy, reportedly encountered heavy fog and made a “hard landing” on Sunday while traveling north through Iran.

Raisi was en route to Tabriz from a visit to the Iranian-Azerbaijan border region when the incident occurred. Harsh weather conditions have hampered a large-scale search operation launched in the aftermath.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation. China, a key ally of Iran, expressed hope for the safety of those onboard and pledged assistance in rescue efforts. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also issued a statement offering support and expressing “deep concern” for the missing officials.

Who is Ebrahim Raisi?

Raisi, a hard-line cleric with deep ties to Iran’s judiciary and religious establishment, is considered a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He began his religious studies at a young age and rose through the ranks of the Iranian power structure. After an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2017, Raisi secured victory in the 2021 election.

The fate of President Raisi and the other passengers remains unknown as rescue teams continue their search.

Evelyn Ndi