2024 Varzaqan helicopter crash
![]() | This article documents a recent aviation incident. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. (May 2024) |
![]() 6-9221, the helicopter involved in the crash | |
Accident | |
---|---|
Date | 19 May 2024 |
Summary | Helicopter crash in bad weather |
Site | near Varzaqan, East Azerbaijan province, Iran 38°43′8″N 46°39′17″E / 38.71889°N 46.65472°E |
Aircraft | |
Aircraft type | Bell 212[1] |
Operator | ![]() |
Registration | 6-9221[2] |
Flight origin | Giz Galasi Dam, Iran[3] |
Destination | Tabriz, Iran |
Occupants | 8 |
Passengers | 5 |
Crew | 3 |
Fatalities | 8[4] |
Survivors | 0 |
On 19 May 2024, an Iranian Air Force Bell 212 utility helicopter crashed in Bakrabad Rural District, near Varzaqan, Iran, while travelling from the Giz Galasi Dam to Tabriz, killing all on board.[5] It carried the president of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, governor-general of Iran's East Azerbaijan province Malek Rahmati, representative of the Supreme Leader in East Azerbaijan Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, Raisi's bodyguard and three flight crew.[6][7][8]
The crash took place in northern East Azerbaijan province, near the Azerbaijan–Iran border. Dense forest, heavy rain, fog, strong winds and snow hampered rescue operations.[9] Searchers used drones, teamwork, trained dogs and the Copernicus satellite system.[10][11][12]
Aircraft
The helicopter involved was a Bell 212 with serial number 35071 and aircraft registration number 6-9221, estimated to be 40–50 years old.[13][14][non-tertiary source needed]
Background
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Ilham_Aliyev_and_President_Seyyed_Ebrahim_Raisi_met_at_the_Azerbaijan-Iran_state_border_-_04.jpg/220px-Ilham_Aliyev_and_President_Seyyed_Ebrahim_Raisi_met_at_the_Azerbaijan-Iran_state_border_-_04.jpg)
On 19 May 2024, President of Iran Raisi was in Azerbaijan to commission the Khoda Afarin hydroelectric complex and inaugurate the Giz Galasi hydroelectric complex with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.[15] The complex is the third collaborative project between Iran and Azerbaijan on the Aras River.[9][3] A day before the crash, the Iran Meteorological Organization had issued an orange weather warning for the region.[16]
Crash
Following the inauguration of the complex, Raisi, Amir-Abdollahian, Rahmati, Ale-Hashem,[17] and Raisi's head of security Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Mohammad Mehdi Mousavi[18] departed for Tabriz by helicopter[19] to inaugurate a project at an oil refinery.[18]
Their aircraft, a Bell 212,[18] was crewed by two Iranian Air Force pilots holding the rank of colonel and a flight technician with the rank of major, and was part of a convoy of three.[20] At around 13:30 IRST (UTC+03:30), the helicopter crashed approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) southwest of the village of Uzi,[11][9][21] in the Dizmar Forest region, a wildlife corridor near the northern Varzaqan area of East Azerbaijan province.[19][22]
Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian and Housing and Transportation Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash, who were travelling in the other two helicopters, arrived safely in Tabriz[23][24] after their aircraft made unsuccessful searches for the third helicopter for 15 to 20 minutes after losing contact with it.[18] It was eventually reported that nine people were in the helicopter when it crashed.[25][26][27]
Recovery
News of the crash was released at 16:00,[18] with IRIB and Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi describing it as a hard landing caused by bad weather and fog.[23][28] Major-General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces, ordered all its branches to deploy their full resources toward rescue operations.[23] Heavy fog affected search-and-rescue operations in Varzaqan.[10] Reports indicated that search-and-rescue teams were expected to reach the site of the crash by 20:00.[29] By 20:39, Iranian forces were near the site of the crash.[30] Forty rescue teams from the Iranian Red Crescent Society,[23] along with drones, were sent to the area of the crash.[31] Ale-Hashem survived for an hour after the crash,[32] and told others that he was in bad condition and could hear ambulances nearby.[33] One member of the helicopter's crew also communicated with the rescue forces.[34][35]
Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, announced that the European Union would activate the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (rapid response satellite mapping) at Iran's request.[36] Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Qatar, Turkey and Russia offered to help in the search.[37][38][39] Russia sent two airplanes, search and rescue helicopters and around 50 personnel to aid in the rescue mission.[40]
Iran requested a night vision search and rescue helicopter from Turkey, according to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency.[41] It also requested assistance from the United States, according to US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, but it could not be fulfilled mainly due to logistical reasons.[42] Coordinates from a Turkish Bayraktar Akıncı unmanned aerial vehicle showed the crash site being located on a steep mountain slope 20 kilometres (12 mi) south of the Azerbaijan–Iran border.[43][44]
Later on 19 May, the IRIB reported the helicopter had been found[45] and that there was "no sign of life" at the crash scene,[46] which was situated at an altitude of 2,200 metres (7,200 ft).[18] With the exception of its tail,[43] the helicopter had been completely burned following impact.[47]
Search operations concluded with the recovery of the bodies of those on board on 20 May,[48] after which they were transported to Tabriz.[18] Many of the bodies were found in a charred condition, but were still visually identifiable.[49]
Aftermath
Raisi was the second president of Iran to have died in office, following Mohammad-Ali Rajai, who was killed in a bombing in 1981.[50] The presidential line of succession begins with Mohammad Mokhber, the first vice president. If power is transferred to the vice president in this way, Iranian law states that a new presidential election must be called within six months.[51] Authorities subsequently set the election date for 28 June.[52] On 20 May, the cabinet said that the government will continue to operate "without the slightest disruption".[43] That same day, Mokhber was formally designated as acting president by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while Ali Bagheri was appointed as acting foreign minister.[53]
While the search was still under way, Khamenei asked the nation for its prayers and said: "The nation doesn't need to be worried or anxious as the administration of the country will not be disrupted at all."[54][55] The government cancelled a cabinet meeting and instead convened an emergency meeting,[56] during which Raisi's chair was left empty and draped with a black sash.[57] Senior officials of the Supreme National Security Council travelled to Tabriz.[58] Following confirmation of Raisi's death, Khamenei declared five days of national mourning.[53] Raisi's funeral is scheduled on 21 May in Tabriz.[48]
Former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blamed the United States for the crash, saying in an interview that the latter's embargo on the sale of aircraft and aviation parts to Iran "will be recorded in the list of US crimes against the Iranian people".[53] Much of Iran's military air fleet was acquired prior to the 1979 Revolution and it has not obtained some necessary parts due to the international sanctions.[9]
Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the exiled dissident People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran, described the crash as a "monumental and irreparable strategic blow to the mullahs' Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the entire regime", which would trigger "a series of repercussions and crises" within its leadership.[59] Taghi Rahmani, the husband of detained activist and Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, said Raisi's death would not structurally change the Iranian leadership under Khamenei.[60]
Reactions
Governments
During the search efforts, well-wishes and offers of support came from President Ilham Aliyev,[61] Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi,[62] Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif,[63] President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,[64] President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu,[65] President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel,[66] the Iraqi government,[67] United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres[67] and the foreign ministries of Afghanistan, Kuwait, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Jordan.[68][69][70] The US State Department also stated that it was closely monitoring the situation, while president Joe Biden was briefed about the incident.[67] Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese also said that he was monitoring the situation.[71]
Following the confirmation of the deaths of Raisi and the other passengers, leaders and officials of several countries and international organizations extended their condolences and sympathies.[a] Days of mourning were declared in India, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, and Turkey.[53][114][115] Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed hope that a future Iranian government would "commit itself to the stabilisation and pacification of the region".[72] British Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat said that he "will not mourn" Raisi, adding that his "regime has murdered thousands at home, and targeted people here in Britain and across Europe".[116] United States National Security Council spokesman John Kirby described Raisi as "a man who had a lot of blood on his hands".[117]
Some anti-Israel figures and commentators, including Jackson Hinkle, Nick Griffin, and Maram Susli, blamed Israel for the helicopter crash or implied that it might be responsible.[118][119] However, there is no evidence of any Israeli link to the crash,[119] and an Israeli official said that Israel was not involved.[120][121][122] Although there was no official reaction from the government, Israeli opposition politician Avigdor Lieberman said it was unlikely to affect Iranian policy toward Israel, adding that "we won't shed a tear" over Raisi's death.[121]
Militant groups
Several Islamist militant organisations backed by Iran expressed their condolences. Mohammed al-Houthi, Houthi Yemen's Interior Minister, expressed condolences to the Iranian people, leadership, and families of the dead. Hamas mourned the loss of an "honourable supporter" in a statement.[123] Hezbollah also mourned Raisi, describing him as a protector of the Axis of Resistance.[124]
Public
Reactions inside Iran were mixed; prior to the confirmation of Raisi's death, prayers for him were held in cities across the country,[19] which were aired by state-run television and encouraged by the Fars News Agency. At the same time, videos of people in Iran setting off celebratory fireworks began circulating on social media, while others danced, played music, or honked car horns in solidarity with those celebrating.[55][60] Police in Tehran warned that anyone who appeared publicly happy about Raisi's death would be prosecuted.[60]
See also
- List of Iranian aviation accidents and incidents
- List of heads of state and government who died in aviation accidents and incidents
Notes
- ^ Afghan Acting Prime Minister Hasan Akhund,[72] Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune,[73][74] Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan,[75] Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev,[76] Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin[77] and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,[78] Bosnian Presidency member Željko Komšić,[79] Interim Burkinabè President Ibrahim Traoré,[80] Chinese President Xi Jinping,[81] Comorian President Azali Assoumani,[82] Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi,[83] Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel,[84] Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi,[85] Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki,[86] Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed,[87] European Council President Charles Michel,[81] EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell,[88] Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit,[72] African Union Commission President Moussa Faki,[87] Gambian President Adama Barrow,[89] Bissau-Guinean President Umaro Sissoco Embaló,[90] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi,[91] Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani,[92] Italian President Sergio Mattarella,[93] Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi,[72] Jordanian King Abdullah II,[94] Kuwaiti Prime Minister Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah,[95] Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri,[96] Liswati Prime Minister Russell Dlamini,[97] Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina,[87] Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,[91] Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu,[98][99] the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs,[100] Nigerian President Bola Tinubu,[87] OPEC secretary general Haitham al-Ghais,[72] Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,[91][101] Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas,[72] Philippine President Bongbong Marcos,[102] Polish President Andrzej Duda,[103] Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro,[104] Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,[81] Russian President Vladimir Putin,[91] Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,[105] Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe,[106] South African President Cyril Ramaphosa,[107] Sudanese military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan,[72] Syrian President Bashar al-Assad,[108] Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan,[109] Tunisian President Kais Saied,[110] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,[111] UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,[81] US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller,[112] Pope Francis,[88] and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.[113]
References
- ^ "Bell 212: The missing helicopter carrying Iran's president". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force 6-9221 | ASN accident description". Aviation-safety.net. Flight Safety Foundation. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Qiz-Qalasi Dam symbol of cooperation between Tehran, Baku". Mehr News Agency. 19 May 2024.
- ^ "Iran's president and foreign minister die in helicopter crash at moment of high tensions in Mideast". AP News. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Sewell, Abby (20 May 2024). "What do we know so far about the helicopter crash that killed Iran's president and others?". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Picheta, Rob; Mahmoodi, Negar; Moshtaghian, Artemis; Qiblawi, Tamara; Tanno, Sophie; and Regan, Helen (20 May 2024). "Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister confirmed dead in helicopter crash". CNN. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "'No signs of helicopter's occupants being alive': Red Crescent". Al Jazeera. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Taylor, Jerome (20 May 2024). "Drone footage shows wreckage of crashed helicopter". CNN. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d Gambrell, Jon (19 May 2024). "Helicopter carrying Iran's president suffers a 'hard landing,' state TV says without further details". AP News. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ a b Norman, Laurence; Faucon, Benoit; and Eqbali, Aresu (20 May 2024). "Iranian President, Foreign Minister Killed in Helicopter Crash". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b "EU activates mapping service to aid search effort". BBC News. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ Belam, Martin; Bayer, Lili; Livingstone, Helen. "Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister killed in helicopter crash – live updates". The Guardian.
- ^ "Ebrahim Raisi death: What do we know about the Bell 212 helicopter?". Reuters. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Accident Bell 212 6-9207". aviation-safety.net. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Ceremony to commission "Khudafarin" hydroelectric complex and inaugurate "Giz Galasi" hydroelectric complex was held with participation of Azerbaijani and Iranian Presidents". Azerbaijan State News Agency. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "روایت خبرنگار تسنیم از منطقه سانحه بالگرد رئیسجمهور + فیلم" [Tasnim reporter's narration from the area of the president's helicopter accident + video]. Tasnim News Agency (in Persian). Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ Regencia, Ted (19 May 2024). "Who was on the missing helicopter?". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Ebrahim Raisi: What we know about deadly Iran helicopter crash". BBC. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b c Fassihi, Farnaz (19 May 2024). "Helicopter Carrying Iran's President Has Crashed, State Media Reports". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "Who died alongside Iran's President Raisi in the helicopter crash?". Al Jazeera. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "اخبار حادثه سقوط بالگرد/ شهادت رئیس جمهور، وزیر خارجه و همراهان" [News of the collapse incident / testimony of the President, Foreign Minister and their companions] (in Persian). Mehr News Agency. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "President Raisi's helicopter crashes in Iran: What we know so far". Al Jazeera. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d Motamedi, Maziar (19 May 2024). "Search under way after helicopter carrying Iran's president Raisi crashes". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "What do we know so far about Iranian president's helicopter 'accident'". France 24. 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Wintour, Patrick (20 May 2024). "No signal from helicopter that crashed killing Iran's president, Turkish minister says". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Ying Shan, Lee (19 May 2024). "Iran's President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian killed in helicopter crash, state media says". CNBC. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "All nine victims in Iranian helicopter crash identified". Yahoo News. dpa. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Iran's hard-line president still missing after likely helicopter crash in foggy, mountainous region". Associated Press News. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "The dispatched rescue teams will reach the probable coordinates of president Raisi's helicopter within half an hour, state media is reporting". The Guardian. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ Makoii, Akhtar; Abrahams, Jessica; Smith, Benedict; and Zagon, Chanel (19 May 2024). "Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi 'missing' after helicopter makes hard landing". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ Radford, Antoinette; Andone, Dakin; Shen, Michelle; Almasy, Steve; and Meyer, Matt (19 May 2024). "Live updates: Iranian President Raisi involved in helicopter crash". CNN. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "Iran president helicopter crash live updates: President Ebrahim Raisi dies". BBC News. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Rasisi's helicopter passenger twice called to say he was feeling bad — senior diplomat". TASS. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Andrews, Hillary (19 May 2024). "Thick fog hampers efforts to find Iran's president after reported helicopter crash". FOX Weather. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Iranian official: Contact made with passenger and crew member". The Guardian. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ Janez Lenarčič [@JanezLenarcic] (19 May 2024). "Upon Iranian request for assistance we are activating the EU's @CopernicusEMS rapid response 📡 mapping service in view of to the helicopter accident reportedly carrying the President of #Iran and its foreign minister. #EUSolidarity" (Tweet). Retrieved 19 May 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Turkey's Erdogan offers Iran 'all necessary support' in Raisi search". Al Arabiya. AFP. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Armenia [@MFAofArmenia] (19 May 2024). "Shocked by the news coming from #Iran. Our thoughts & prayers are w/President Raisi, Minister @Amirabdolahian & all others reported to be at the site. As rescue operations continue, #Armenia, as a close & friendly neighbor of Iran, is ready to provide all necessary support. @IRIMFA_EN" (Tweet). Retrieved 19 May 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Russia ready to help: Foreign ministry". Al Jazeera. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "اعزام دو فروند هواپیمای پیشرفته و بالگردهای ویژه روسیه به تبریز".
- ^ @ragipsoylu (19 May 2024). "Iran requested a night vision search and rescue helicopter from Turkey, says Turkish disaster management agency AFAD" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Iran asked US for assistance following Raisi's helicopter crash, State Dept says". The Jerusalem Post. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b c "Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi confirmed dead in helicopter crash". Al Jazeera. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "Türkiye's Akinci UAV identifies source of heat suspected to be crash site of Iranian president's helicopter". Anadolu Agency. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Crashed helicopter found by search teams, state TV reports". The Guardian. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ Gambrell, Jon (20 May 2024). "'No sign of life' at crash site of helicopter carrying Iran's president, others". AP News. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Wintour, Patrick (20 May 2024). "'No sign of life' at crash site, state TV says". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b Sheils McNamee, Michael (20 May 2024). "Iran declares five days of mourning for president". BBC. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Death in the fog: the grim search for Raisi's helicopter". France 24. 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Iran's president, foreign minister and others found dead at helicopter crash site, state media says". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Fassihi, Farnaz (20 May 2024). "President Raisi Is Dead, Iranian Media Reports". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Iran to hold presidential elections on June 28 after Raisi's death". Al Arabiya. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Iran's president, foreign minister and others found dead at helicopter crash site". Associated Press. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Nation doesn't need to be worried or anxious as administration of country will not be disrupted at all". khamenei.ir. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b Badshah, Nadeem; Lowe, Yohannes; Murray, Jessica (19 May 2024). "Helicopter carrying Iran's president crashes in mountains, official says – Middle East live". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ Fassihi, Farnaz (19 May 2024). "The Iranian government has canceled a planned cabinet meeting and convened an emergency meeting with the country's crisis management committee, state media reported". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "Iran's President Raisi killed in a helicopter crash: What we know so far". Al Jazeera. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Fassihi, Farnaz (19 May 2024). "Members of Iran's Supreme National Security Committee and senior officials from the government have traveled to Tabriz, the closest major city to the site of the accident, state media reported". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "Exiled opposition group says Raisi death 'monumental blow' to Iran". France 24. 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b c Parent, Deepa (20 May 2024). "'People are in no mood to mourn': mixed reactions in Tehran after death of President Ebrahim Raisi". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ @presidentaz (19 May 2024). "Today, after bidding a friendly farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Narendra Modi [@narendramodi] (19 May 2024). "Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi's helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well being of the President and his entourage" (Tweet). Retrieved 19 May 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ Shehbaz Sharif [@CMShehbaz] (19 May 2024). "Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding Hon. President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter. Waiting with great anxiety for good news that all is well. Our prayers and best wishes are with Hon. President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation" (Tweet). Retrieved 19 May 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ Balkiz, Karya Naz (19 May 2024). "Türkiye monitoring helicopter crash involving Iranian president". TRT World. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "The President expresses concern over helicopter incident involving the President of Iran and senior delegation". The President's Office. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ @DiazCanelB (19 May 2024). "Consternados por las noticias, expresamos al Líder Supremo Ayatolá Ali Khamenei y al querido pueblo de la República Islámica de Irán" [Dismayed by the news, we express to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the dear people of the Islamic Republic of Iran] (Tweet) (in Spanish) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c "Reactions to the crash of the Iranian president's helicopter". Reuters. 19 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ @mofa_afg (19 May 2024). "وزارت امور خارجۀ امارت اسلامی افغانستان گزارشهایی پیرآمون سرنوشت هلیکوپتر جلالتمآب ابراهیم رئیسی رئیسجمهوری اسلامی ایران" [The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is following the fate of the helicopter of His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran] (Tweet) (in Persian). Retrieved 19 May 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Governments, officials react to crash of Iranian president's helicopter". Voice of America. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "Jordan follows with great concern reports about Iranian president's plane incident". Jordan Times. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Eye on Iran as president goes missing in chopper crash". Australian Associated Press. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Reactions to the death of Iran's president in a helicopter crash". Reuters. 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Le président de la République présente ses condoléances suite au décès du président iranien Ebrahim Raissi". Algérie Presse Service (in French). 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Roundup: Mideast countries offer condolences over deaths of Iranian president, FM". Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Pashinyan sends condolence message: "The Republic of Armenia and its people stand by our good friend and neighboring state and people in this difficult period for the Islamic Republic of Iran"". Aravot.am. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "To His Holiness Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran". Official web-site of President of Azerbaijan Republic. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "President Shahabuddin expresses shock over death of Iranian President, FM in helicopter crash". The Business Standard. United News of Bangladesh. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Hasina mourns the death of Iranian President Raisi". The Daily Star. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ B.H. (20 May 2024). "Komšić uputio telegram saučešća povodom pogibije Raisija i Abdollahiana" (in Bosnian). Klix.ba. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "It is with sadness that I learned of the disappearance of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Présidence du Faso. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Iran: World reacts to death of Raisi". Le Monde. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ @PR_AZALI (20 May 2024). "It is with immense sadness that I learned of the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raïssi" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @Presidence_RDC (20 May 2024). "President Tshisekedi sends his condolences to the Iranian people ." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Cuba lamenta fallecimiento de presidente iraní en accidente aéreo". Radio Havana Cuba (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Egypt's Sisi Expresses 'Great Sadness And Grief' After Raisi Death". Barron's. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "President Isaias Afwerki has extended his deepest condolences to Mr. Mohammad Mokhber, the Interim President of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Ministry of Information, Eritrea. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024 – via Facebook.
- ^ a b c d "Líderes de África lamentan la muerte de Raisí y expresan sus condolencias a Irán" [African leaders mourn the death of Raisi and express their condolences to Iran]. Infobae (in Spanish). EFE. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b "World reacts to the death of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi". Al Jazeera. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ @BarrowPresident (20 May 2024). "On behalf of Gambians and the Islamic Ummah OIC, I join the Islamic Republic of Iran to mourn the tragic death of H.E Ebrahim Raisi." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @USEmbalo (20 May 2024). "On behalf of Guinea-Bissau, I extend my sincere condolences and compassion to the Supreme Leader." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c d "World leaders offer condolences following death of Iran's Ebrahim Raisi". Gulf Today. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Prime Minister Extends Condolences to Iranian Government and People on the death of Raisi and Companions". INA. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Mattarella, Meloni express Italy's solidarity with Iran". ANSA. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Jordan King: We stand in solidarity with the brothers in Iran during this difficult time". 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Kuwait PM offers condolences on Iranian Pres. death". Kuwait News Agency. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Mikati declares mourning over Raisi's death as Lebanese parties react". Naharnet. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ @RussellMDlamini (20 May 2024). "We have learnt with sadness of the tragic passing of Islamic Republic of Iran President." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "The President extends condolences following the demise of Iranian President H.E. Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister H.E. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian". The President's Office. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "The President orders national flag flown at half-mast for three days following the passing of Iran's distinguished President, H.E. Dr Ebrahim Raisi". The President's Office. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Death of President Ebrahim Raisi: Morocco Condoles Iranian People, Families of Victims". Maghreb Arabe Presse. 20 April 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "World leaders, terrorist organizations express condolences over Raisi's death". The Jerusalem Post. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Marcos condoles with Iran after President Raisi's death". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Polish President Andrzej Duda expresses condolences after Iranian air crash". Polskie Radio. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ @LMontenegropm (20 May 2024). "On behalf of the Portuguese Government and on my own behalf, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Iranian people and to the families of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, who lost their lives in this weekend's tragic accident" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences To Iran Over Raisi's Death". Barron's. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Sri Lankan leaders express condolence over tragic demise of Iranian President Raisi". Newswire. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ SyndiGate Media Inc. (20 May 2024). "Condolences for the People of Iran Following Air Disaster". South African Government News Agency. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "President al-Assad in a message of condolence to leader of the revolution and government of Iran: We express deep regret and sympathy for the painful incident and great loss". SANA. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ @SuluhuSamia (20 May 2024). "On behalf of the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I wish to convey our deepest condolences." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Tunisia Offers Condolences on the Death of the Iranian President". Radio IFM. 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Erdoğan sends condolences to Iran over death of Raisi, others". Daily Sabah. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Miller, Matthew (20 May 2024). "On the Death of Iranian President Raisi and Others in a Helicopter Crash". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
The United States expresses its official condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and other members of their delegation in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran. As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
- ^ @NicolasMaduro (20 May 2024). "Estoy consternado ante la dura noticia sobre la sensible pérdida física del Presidente de la República Islámica de Irán, Ebrahim Raisi" [I am shocked by the hard news about the sensitive physical loss of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi] (Tweet) (in Spanish) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Erdoğan açıkladı: Reisi için bir günlük milli yas ilan ediyoruz". Dünya. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Bhattacherjee, Kallol; Haidar, Suhasini (20 May 2024). "India to observe state mourning on May 21 for President Raisi's death". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Wintour, Patrick (20 May 2024). "No signal from helicopter that crashed killing Iran's president, Turkish minister says". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Iran President Had 'Lot Of Blood On His Hands': White House". Barron's. Agence France-Presse. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Starr, Michael (20 May 2024). "Anti-Israel activists blame Israel for Raisi helicopter crash". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b Akriti Anand (20 May 2024). "Israel 'suspected' to be behind Ebrahim Raisi's death: What official says". mint. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Hafezi, Parisa; Mohamed, Yomna (20 May 2024). "Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, hardline ally of Khamenei, killed in helicopter crash". Reuters. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Official says Israel not involved in Raisi helicopter crash; Liberman: We won't shed a tear". The Times of Israel. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Iran President Raisi's death: 'It wasn't us,' says Israel, following tragic helicopter crash". The Times of India. 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Hamas Mourns Raisi Death, Hails His 'Support For Palestinian Resistance'". Barron's. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Hezbollah Mourns Iran's Raisi As 'Protector Of The Resistance'". Barron's. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
External links
Media related to 2024 Varzaqan helicopter crash at Wikimedia Commons
- Current events from May 2024
- 2024 Varzaqan helicopter crash
- 2024 disasters in Iran
- May 2024 events in Iran
- Aviation accidents and incidents in 2024
- Aviation accidents and incidents in Iran
- Accidents and incidents involving Bell aircraft
- Aviation accidents and incidents involving fog
- Aviation accidents and incidents involving state leaders
- Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
- History of East Azerbaijan Province
- Presidency of Ebrahim Raisi
- Varzaqan County