A helicopter transporting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi encountered a “hard landing” on Sunday, as reported by Iranian state television. The incident occurred in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, near the city of Jolfa, which lies on the border with Azerbaijan. The location is approximately 600 kilometres (375 miles) northwest of Tehran, the Iranian capital.
Rescue teams are currently mobilised to reach the site, but their efforts have been hindered by adverse weather conditions. Heavy rain and strong winds have complicated access to the area.
President Raisi had travelled to Azerbaijan earlier on Sunday to participate in the inauguration of a dam jointly constructed by Iran and Azerbaijan. This dam marks the third collaborative project on the Aras River between the two nations.
Despite the challenges posed by international sanctions, Iran maintains a diverse fleet of helicopters. However, acquiring spare parts remains a significant obstacle. Additionally, the majority of Iran’s military air assets date back to the period before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are closely monitoring the rescue efforts and assessing the impact of this incident on diplomatic relations between Iran and Azerbaijan.
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