Uncertainty Surrounds Iranian President Raisi’s Condition After Helicopter Crash; Global Reaction

Uncertainty Surrounds Iranian President Raisi's Condition After Helicopter Crash; Global Reaction (Image: [EPA-EFE/IRANIAN PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE])

Dil Bar Irshad | May 19, 2024 | 11:54 PM IST | Breaking News, Iran, World | Follow on Google News

Uncertainty Surrounds Iranian President Raisi’s Condition After Helicopter Crash; Global Reaction

Uncertainty Surrounds Iranian President Raisi’s Condition After Helicopter Crash; Global Reaction

Key Highlights:

1. President Raisi’s condition remains unknown after helicopter crash.
2. Dense fog and rain hinder rescue operations in East Azerbaijan Province.
3. International concern grows as rescue efforts continue.

Tehran [Iran]: Uncertainty grips Iran as President Ebrahim Raisi’s condition remains unknown following a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan Province. An Instagram post from Raisi’s account urged people to “pray” for him, as reported by CNN. “We call on fellow countrymen to pray for the wellbeing of the President and companions,” the post stated.

Analyst Abas Aslani expressed concern over the lack of information, telling Al Jazeera, “Nobody knows what exactly has happened and how the president and other local officials are doing. As time goes on, hopes are decreasing because the conditions are getting much worse and it’s getting darker.” The sense of uncertainty is pervasive in Tehran, Iran’s capital.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry has expressed shock and concern over recent events in Iran, extending their thoughts and prayers to the Iranian President and others affected. The Ministry emphasized Armenia’s readiness to assist in rescue operations, highlighting the close and friendly relationship between the two neighboring countries.

Iran’s Health Minister Bahram Eynollahi highlighted the difficulties faced by rescue teams due to extreme fog. “We have set up treatment facilities and deployed all medical resources,” Eynollahi said on state TV. The challenging weather conditions have forced rescue workers to travel on foot as rain and unpaved roads make vehicular travel risky.

The Iranian military, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and police command, are actively involved in the search and rescue efforts. Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri confirmed the deployment of all available resources.

Local media reported heavy rain and dense fog in the Varzaghan District, complicating the search. No information on injuries or damage has been released. The crash occurred as President Raisi was landing in the Varzaqan region after attending a dam opening ceremony near the Azerbaijan border. Several high officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, were also on board. The last image delivered by Iranian Media.

Global leaders, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s Prime Minister, have expressed concern over the incident.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also voiced his worries in a meeting with IRGC personnel families.

Despite rumors, the National Security Council has not held an emergency meeting regarding the crash.

As rescue efforts continue, the uncertainty and concern remain high.

Dil Bar Irshad

Dil Bar Irshad is a seasoned journalist, hails from Jammu Kashmir's Doda, covers political, social, business stories, index stories.