A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi experienced a “hard landing” on Sunday, as reported by Iranian state media. The incident, which occurred under undisclosed circumstances, has led to calls for prayers for Raisi. Also there were other passengers aboard the aircraft. Rescue crews have been dispatched to a misty, rural forest area where the helicopter is believed to have landed.
President Raisi was traveling in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province at the time of the incident. Initial reports from state television indicated the location as near Jolfa, a city close to the Azerbaijan border. Approximately 600 kilometers (375 miles) northwest of Tehran. However, subsequent reports suggested the incident occurred near the village of Uzi, highlighting the conflicting details surrounding the event.
Among those traveling with President Raisi were Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, the governor of East Azerbaijan province, other officials, and bodyguards. The state media has not provided further details about the condition of those on board or the cause of the “hard landing.”