This recording from Iranian state television shows Ebrahim Raisi (63) on board a helicopter. Before the “incident,” he was traveling in the Iranian province of East Azerbaijan and had met with the ruler of the state of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev (62).

DLNews Breaking News:

Tehran, Iran - In a shocking turn of events, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi (63) has gone missing following a helicopter "incident" on Sunday. Iranian state television reported the accident, while other media sources considered it an “incident with the helicopter transporting the president.”

Sunday, before the “incident,” Ebrahim Raisi (63, front) had met with Ilham Aliyev (62), the ruler of the state of Azerbaijan. Together, they inaugurated a dam.

Hours have passed with no sign of Raisi or the eight other occupants, including Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and the governor of East Azerbaijan, Malek Rahmati. The nation anxiously awaits any news on their fate.

Darkness, rain, and thick fog make the search difficult. The area is also complex to access.

Raisi, who has served as Iran's president since 2021, is a prominent hardliner in the country’s political landscape. His controversial past includes a role in the 1988 mass executions of political prisoners, for which the UN has accused him of "crimes against humanity." Despite his powerful position, Raisi is not the head of state; that title belongs to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (85), the Supreme Leader since 1989.

Massive Search Operation Hampered by Severe Weather

A massive search operation involves 65 rescue teams, including the Iranian armed forces. However, their efforts are being severely hampered by impassable terrain, heavy fog, and the onset of darkness. Rescuers must search on foot, navigating around enormous boulders up to 70 meters high near the reported accident site.

The incident occurred while Raisi was in East Azerbaijan province, having recently met with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev (62) to inaugurate a dam on the Aras River. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the passengers' status. Vice President for Executive Affairs, Mohsen Mansuri, mentioned that two helicopter occupants managed to contact their families, providing a glimmer of hope. In contrast, the local Ashura Corps commander stated that contact had not been made since 3 p.m. local time.

Emergency Cabinet Meeting and International Support

The Iranian cabinet met for an emergency meeting late on Sunday evening.

Iran's cabinet, led by First Vice President Mohammed Mokhber, convened for an emergency meeting late Sunday in response to the crisis. The government has called for international assistance, specifically seeking helicopters equipped with night vision capabilities. Offers of help have already come from Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the European Commission. EU Commissioner Janez Lenarcic, responsible for EU crisis aid, also extended support.

The exact location of the incident is near Uzi, approximately 540 kilometers northwest of Tehran. The convoy consisted of three helicopters, with two safely reaching their destination. Communication with Raisi’s helicopter was lost 30 minutes after takeoff, and subsequent attempts by the other helicopters to retrace the route were thwarted by thick fog.

As the search continues under challenging conditions, the world watches and waits for any signs of the missing president and his entourage. The situation remains tense, with the Iranian authorities and international partners striving to resolve the mystery of Raisi’s disappearance.