Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
By Abby Sewell

What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?

Rescue efforts underway to find missing helicopter of Iran president

Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi‘s life is at risk after his helicopter crashed in a “very concerning” accident amid heavy fog in northern Iran.

The aircraft had a “rough landing” near Jolfa, the Iranian city on the border of Azerbaijani exclave Nakhchivan, around 600 kilometers (375 miles) northwest of the Iranian capital Tehran.

It was carrying Raisi, 63, and Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian following a visit with the Azerbaijani president to discuss an infrastructure project over the Aras River, which separates Iran and Nakhchivan.

Iranian state TV had reported that the helicopter had been found and quoted an official as saying that at least one passenger and crew member had been in contact with rescuers.

However, Iran’s Red Crescent has denied reports the aircraft was discovered. Earlier, an Iranian official acknowleged their lives were “at risk” and said information coming from the crash site was “very concerning”.

State media has yet to report on casualties or confirm the whereabouts or condition of the president - but urged Iranians to pray for the president.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.