Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi experienced a hard landing in a helicopter on May 19, 2024, according to multiple reports from Iranian state media. The incident occurred while Raisi was traveling in the East Azerbaijan province near the city of Jolfa with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other officials and bodyguards. Rescue efforts were underway but hampered by poor weather conditions, including heavy fog.
Raisi had been in East Azerbaijan province to inaugurate a dam with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev. The visit came despite fragile relations between the two countries and diplomatic relations with Israel, which Iran views as its main enemy in the region.
According to various reports, rescue teams were dispatched to the site of the incident but had yet to make contact due to unfavorable conditions. Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi reported that one of the helicopters was forced to make a hard landing due to bad weather and fog. The exact status of Raisi and those on board is currently unknown.
The incident marks a significant development in Iranian politics, as Raisi has been in power for less than two years and has faced numerous challenges both domestically and internationally. His presidency has been marked by economic instability, protests over women's rights, and tensions with neighboring countries.
It is important to note that there have been conflicting reports regarding the incident from various sources. While some reports suggest that the helicopter crashed, others describe it as a hard landing. It is crucial to wait for official confirmation and further information before drawing any conclusions.
This article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
