Raisi's deputy gathers an urgent gathering in Tehran.
As the search for the missing Iranian president heats up, the government holds a meeting in Tehran led by Raisi's deputy. Reports on state television about finding the wreckage were quickly retracted.
Iran's cabinet gathered for an emergency meeting with President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hussein Amirabdollahian. First Vice President Mohammed Mochber presided over the meeting, as reported by the state news agency Irna. Orders were given for more rescue efforts. According to protocol, Mochber would take over as head of government in case of Raisi's demise. Some worry about the fate of the nine-person crew, including Raisi and Amirabdollahian, on board the helicopter.
After sunset, rescuers searched the crash site on foot in challenging weather conditions. 65 rescue teams were active in the search, including the Iranian military. The accident location was spotted, and state television also announced the discovery of Raisi's plane. However, the Red Crescent later denied the wreckage had been found. Few details emerged about the situation.
Turkey Offers Assistance
Iran requested help from rescue services in nearby Turkey. Specifically, helicopters with night vision equipment were asked for. Additionally, Turkish mountain rescue teams were deployed to the area of the crash, as the Iranian state agency Irna reported. The helicopter crash occurred in the northwest of the country after a meeting between Raisi and the President of neighboring Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered Iran aid in their efforts. "Turkey is prepared to offer all the necessary support," Erdogan said on Platform X. "We are deeply saddened by the helicopter accident involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his delegation," Erdogan added. He wished for positive news as soon as possible.
The European Commission has come to Iran's aid in the helicopter crash investigation. EU Commissioner Janez Lenarcic, who oversees EU crisis aid, wrote on the X platform that the European Commission's Copernicus emergency service mapping service would be enabled in response to Iran's plea for help. The service provides detailed information on demand for emergency circumstances by offering satellite-based geodata and images.
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In the midst of the search for the missing plane carrying President Ebrahim Raisi and several other high-ranking officials, Iran turns to Turkey for aid. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledges to offer all necessary support, expressing sympathy for the tragic helicopter accident.
Concerns about the fate of the plane and its crew, including Raisi and Foreign Minister Hussein Amirabdollahian, have escalated following the incident in Iran.
Source: www.ntv.de
