Dubai: A chopper ferrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi encountered a rough landing on Sunday, as per Iranian state television’s account, with details yet to be fully disclosed. Raisi was en route within Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. State TV noted the occurrence in close proximity to Jolfa, situated on the border with Azerbaijan, approximately 600 kilometers (375 miles) northwest of Tehran.
Efforts by rescuers to access the site were underway, as per state TV, though impeded by adverse weather conditions in the area, characterized by heavy rainfall and gusts. Earlier on Sunday, Raisi had been in Azerbaijan to jointly unveil a new dam with President Ilham Aliyev. This dam marks the third collaborative effort between the two nations along the Aras River.
Iran maintains a diverse fleet of helicopters domestically, yet faces challenges in procuring parts due to international sanctions. Moreover, much of its military aviation assets trace back to pre-revolutionary times in 1979. Raisi, aged 63, known for his hard-line stance, previously served as the head of Iran’s judiciary. He is seen as a protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting speculation among analysts regarding his potential succession to the 85-year-old leader post his departure or resignation.
Raisi clinched victory in Iran’s 2021 presidential election, notable for its record-low turnout in the country’s history. He has drawn scrutiny from the US, partly owing to his alleged involvement in the mass execution of thousands of political detainees in 1988, toward the end of the Iran-Iraq conflict.
During Raisi’s tenure, Iran has escalated uranium enrichment to near weapons-grade levels and impeded international oversight. Additionally, Iran has supported Russia in its conflict with Ukraine and orchestrated a significant drone-and-missile strike against Israel amidst its confrontation with Hamas in Gaza. Furthermore, it has persisted in arming proxy factions across the Middle East, including Yemen’s Houthi insurgents and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
