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Iran Helicopter Crash Live Updates: Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian have been confirmed dead in a helicopter crash, state media reported on Monday. The helicopter, carrying other officials, went missing in the mountainous region of northwestern Iran.


Initially, state media reported that the helicopter was found, but there were "no signs of life" among the passengers.


The helicopter, carrying President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, crashed on Sunday while navigating through dense fog in mountainous terrain. An Iranian official, speaking anonymously, stated that the incident occurred as they were returning from a visit to the Azerbaijan border. The official expressed hope despite the concerning information from the crash site, noting that severe weather conditions were hampering rescue efforts, as reported by IRNA, the state news agency.


State television interrupted its regular programming to broadcast nationwide prayers for Raisi, with live footage showing rescue teams searching the foggy, mountainous region.


Raisi, 63, was elected president in 2021 on his second attempt. Since taking office, he has enforced stricter morality laws, overseen the violent suppression of anti-government demonstrations, and engaged in intense nuclear negotiations with world powers.


In Iran's dual political system, the supreme leader holds ultimate authority over major policies. However, Raisi is considered a strong candidate to succeed his mentor, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has supported Raisi's key policies.

Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi told state television that one of the three helicopters had made a hard landing, and authorities were awaiting further information. Raisi had been at the Azerbaijani border to inaugurate the Qiz-Qalaisi Dam, a joint project between the two countries.


An Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Raisi's helicopter was completely burned in the crash, and all passengers were feared dead. Rescue teams battled blizzards and difficult terrain overnight to reach the wreckage in East Azerbaijan province. Pirhossein Kolivand, head of Iran’s Red Crescent, told state TV, "We can see the wreckage and the situation does not look good."



At 08:42 (IST) on May 20, it was reported that there was "no sign of life" at the crash site of the helicopter carrying President Raisi and others.


The chief of Iran's Red Crescent confirmed on Monday that the helicopter had been found, but the situation was "not good." Pirhossein Koolivand stated, "The helicopter has been found. Now, we are moving toward the helicopter," adding that the situation appeared grim.


At 07:52 (IST) on May 20, it was noted that teams had been mobilized after a Turkish drone located a heat source.