Helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi apparently crashes, rescue underway
SUMMARY
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and several top officials crashed in the foggy, mountainous region of East Azerbaijan province on Sunday, prompting a major rescue operation. The incident, described as a "hard landing," occurred near Jolfa or possibly the village of Uzi, with details remaining unclear. Rescue efforts were hampered by severe weather conditions. State media did not provide information on Raisi's condition, but hard-liners called for prayers, and scenes of prayer were broadcast nationwide. The crash occurred amid heightened regional tensions and internal unrest in Iran. Raisi had been in Azerbaijan earlier that day for a dam inauguration.
