Iran’s military chief orders an investigation into President Raisi’s helicopter crash

TEHRAN – The Chief of General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has ordered an investigation into the causes of the helicopter crash that led to the martyrdom of President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage.

General Mohammad Bagheri has appointed General Ali Abdollahi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, to head a high-level delegation to thoroughly investigate the circumstances and causes of the tragic incident.

This delegation is tasked with investigating all dimensions of the crash to uncover the underlying reasons for the disaster.

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi made a “hard landing” on Sunday during a visit to the northwest of the country, national television reported.

The incident occurred due to dense fog in the area, which made conditions difficult for rescue workers, television said.

The helicopter crashed near a copper mine called Sungun. It is located between Jolfa and Varzaqan in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province and is approximately 70 km (43 miles) to 100 km (62 miles) from the city of Tabriz, one of the largest cities in Iran and also the city where the President Iran’s foreign ministers and foreign ministers were on their way.

Following the incident, 40 separate rescue teams were deployed to the forest and mountain area.