# 2024 Iran Presidential helicopter crash

On 19 May 2024, a helicopter crashed in Varzaqan, Iran, while en route to Tabriz. The helicopter was carrying Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, governor of East Azerbaijan Malek Rahmati, and Supreme Leader representative in East Azerbaijan Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem. Forty rescue teams are currently trying to locate the helicopter, which, according to reports, crashed in the Dizmar Forest area. The helicopter's location and the condition of the passengers remain unknown.
The incident took place while Raisi was traveling in Iran's East Azerbaijan province, near the city of Jolfa, situated on the border with Azerbaijan. Iranian TV reports that rescue operations are encountering difficulties due to the dense forest terrain, compounded by adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, and strong winds. To aid in the search for the helicopter, drones, search-and-rescue teams, and specially trained dogs have been mobilized.
An Iranian official told Reuters that the lives of Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian were at risk.

## Background

Earlier on 19 May, Raisi had been in Azerbaijan to inaugurate the Qiz Qalasi dam, alongside President Ilham Aliyev. This dam marks the third collaborative project between Iran and Azerbaijan on the Aras River.
According to Iranian law, in the event of the president's death, the first vice president (currently Muhammad Mukhbar) temporarily replaces him. An election must be conducted within six months.

## Accident

On 19 May 2024, a helicopter carrying Raisi, foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, governor of East Azerbaijan Malek Rahmati, and Supreme Leader representative in East Azerbaijan Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem departed with two other helicopters in a convoy to Tabriz. At approximately 13:30 IRST, the helicopter carrying Raisi crashed. Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian and Housing and Transportation Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash, who were traveling in the other two helicopters, subsequently arrived safely.
Conflicting reports said that the helicopter crashed either near Jolfa, or east of the village of Uzi. The helicopter's exact location and condition are unknown. According to IRNA, based on accounts from residents, the helicopter crashed in the Dizmar Forest region, situated between the villages of Uzi and Pir Davood. Inhabitants in the northern Varzaqan area of East Azerbaijan Province reported hearing sounds emanating from the vicinity.

## Response

Heavy fog affected search-and-rescue operations in Varzaqan. According to The Guardian, search-and-rescue teams were expected to reach the site of the crash by 20:00. By 20:39, Iranian forces were near the site of the crash. Forty rescue teams from the Iranian Red Crescent, along with drones, were sent to the area of the crash; there is significant concern that the presence of wild animals in the zone could further endanger Raisi if injured.
The Iranian government cancelled a cabinet meeting. Senior officials and members of the Supreme National Security Council travelled to Tabriz.

## Reactions
### Domestic

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in asking the nation for prayer, said that "if the people of Iran do not worry, there will be no disruption in the work of the country".
Prayers for Raisi were held. State-run television aired prayers for Raisi and Fars News Agency encouraged viewers to pray for Raisi's safety.

### International

The United States Department of State stated it was aware of the incident. U.S. president Joe Biden was briefed, according to the White House.
The EU activated the Copernicus Emergency Management Service rapid response sattelite mapping service upon Iranian request.
Iraq, Azerbaijan and Armenia offered assistance for the search.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated: "We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well being of the President and his entourage."