A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed in north-western province of East Azarbaijan with 40 search teams trying to locate it on Sunday (May 19, 2024).

President Raisi was returning from a ceremony to open a dam on Iran’s border with Azerbaijan when his helicopter crashed upon landing in Varzaqan region, reported IRNA news agency.

Rescue officials said inclement weather is hindering the rescue operation.

He said drones have been sent to the area to help locate the crash site.

Earlier in the day, Ebrahim Raisi inaugurated the Qiz Qalasi and Khodaafarin dams with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Offering assistance,  Ilham Aliyev posted on X: " Today, after bidding a friendly farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran. Our prayers to Allah Almighty are with President Ebrahim Raisi and the accompanying delegation. As a neighbor, friend, and brotherly country, the Republic of Azerbaijan stands ready to offer any assistance needed."

In 2021, Raisi was elected as the president on the second attempt.

He is regarded as a potential successor to country's supreme leader  Ayatollah Khamenei.