External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed his condolences following the tragic deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran. The helicopter, which also carried other officials, disappeared in the mountainous region.
Jaishankar, recalling his meetings with Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian from January this year, expressed his shock and sadness. “Deeply shocked to hear of the passing away of Iran’s President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister H. Amir-Abdollahian, in the helicopter crash. Recall my many meetings with them, most recently in January 2024. Our condolences to their families. We stand with the people of Iran at this time of tragedy,” he stated on social media platform X.
According to state media outlet Press TV, Raisi, Amir-Abdollahian, and nine others onboard the helicopter perished in the crash on Sunday. Raisi was returning to Iran from a visit to Azerbaijan when the helicopter encountered severe weather conditions and crashed in the afternoon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences, recognizing Raisi’s efforts in bolstering India-Iran relations. “Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow,” Modi tweeted.
The helicopter, which was carrying nine people, crashed in northwest Iran, as reported by Tasnim News. Raisi and his delegation were returning from a dam inauguration ceremony on the Aras River with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
Following the announcement of the deaths, the Iranian cabinet held an emergency session led by Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, according to Press TV. Raisi was en route to Tabriz when the helicopter encountered heavy fog and crashed.
An Al Jazeera report highlighted the severity of the crash, noting that the helicopter wreckage was almost completely burned, making it unlikely for any survivors. “Looking at the wreckage of the helicopter, the chances of anyone surviving in such an accident are quite slim. We see that the whole cabin of the helicopter is completely burned,” the report stated. Iranian authorities indicated that some bodies were burned beyond recognition, complicating identification efforts at the crash site.
Drone footage from the Red Crescent, aired on state media, showed the crash site on a steep, wooded hillside with little remaining of the helicopter besides its blue and white tail.
This tragic incident marks an unprecedented situation for Iran, with the nation mourning the loss of both its president and foreign minister in a helicopter crash, as reported by Al Jazeera. Following the news, the Iranian government convened an urgent meeting, according to IRNA.