Helicopter carrying Iranian President crashes in East Azerbaijan Province

In a harrowing turn of events, a helicopter transporting Iranian President Hossein Amirabdollahian, alongside the governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province and other officials, crashed while returning from a joint venture near the Iran-Azerbaijan border.

The group had just inaugurated a dam with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev when the accident occurred.

Initially, state media described the incident near Jolfa, about 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran, as a “hard landing.” However, the exact location remains elusive, with ongoing search efforts now centred near the village of Uzi.

Speaking about the crash, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi cited “bad weather and fog” as primary factors.

Despite the challenging conditions, about 40 search teams are on the ground, navigating through difficult weather.

“The weather conditions have made it impossible to conduct aerial searches,” explained Pir-Hossein Koulivand, president of the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

The situation remains fluid with conflicting reports about the helicopter’s location. An official told state media that there had been sporadic contact with a passenger and a crew member, though no further updates have been provided.

Search and rescue efforts are intensively focused on the forested and mountainous area of Varzaqan in East Azerbaijan Province.

The state media outlet IRNA documented SUVs struggling through wooded areas, hindered by poor weather conditions.

“A rescue helicopter tried to reach the area where authorities believe the helicopter is, but it couldn’t land due to heavy mist,” said emergency services’ spokesman Babak Yektaparast.

Adding international assistance to the local efforts, Turkey’s defense ministry announced it had sent a drone to aid in the search and was preparing to dispatch a helicopter equipped with night vision capabilities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a statement acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the international support received: “On Sunday afternoon, a helicopter carrying the President, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and several companions unfortunately had an accident in the Varzaghan region of East Azerbaijan province,” the ministry stated.

“Despite adverse weather and environmental conditions, efforts by rescue teams to reach the accident site continue earnestly and with hope.  The Islamic Republic of Iran sincerely thanks the numerous governments, nations, and international organizations for their expressions of human emotion and solidarity with the government and people of Iran, as well as their offers of help and assistance for the search and rescue operation.”