Iran Releases Preliminary Report on Helicopter Crash That Killed President Raisi

Tehran: In a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage, the General Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces has issued its initial findings. According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the crash occurred as Raisi was travelling to East Azerbaijan province.

A senior investigation committee, composed of experts and technicians, arrived at the crash site on Monday morning. The report, also cited by Xinhua news agency, reveals that the helicopter adhered to its predetermined flight path and did not deviate from its route. Approximately 90 seconds before the crash, the pilot had communicated with the other two helicopters in the President’s convoy.

Importantly, the investigation found no evidence of bullets or similar objects on the wreckage. The helicopter reportedly caught fire after crashing into the mountain.

The report highlighted challenging conditions, including regional complications, fog, and low temperatures, which extended the search and rescue operations until nightfall and throughout the night. The exact crash location was identified at 5 AM local time on Monday with drone assistance.

No suspicious activity was detected in the communications between the flight crew and the watchtower. Further details are expected following ongoing investigations.

Also on board were Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the Supreme Leader’s representative to East Azerbaijan.