Tehran: The Iranian news agency has called for prayers for President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, warning that their lives are in danger following a helicopter crash.
The incident occurred in Jolfa, near the border with Azerbaijan, 600 kilometers from Tehran on Sunday, as the President was returning from a visit. One of the three helicopters in the presidential convoy crashed, with President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, the governor of East Azerbaijan Province, and other officials on board.
Adverse weather conditions are complicating rescue operations. Despite hope, reports from the crash site are troubling, according to various international media sources.
Iran’s official television channel has suspended regular programming to broadcast prayers for the President and show visuals of the rescue efforts.
President Raisi was in Azerbaijan to inaugurate a dam with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the third dam jointly built by Azerbaijan and Iran on the Aras River.
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