Iran’s President and Foreign Minister feared dead in helicopter crash | BBC News

BBC News
19 May 202404:46

Summary

TLDRA major search operation is underway in Iran after a helicopter crash involving President Ibrahim RI and Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdullah in thick fog near the border with Azerbaijan. Both were inaugurating a dam project. All contact was lost after the crash in the mountainous Jola region. Rescue efforts are hampered by poor visibility, with drones and rescue dogs deployed. International attention is high due to Iran's geopolitical significance and ongoing regional turmoil. The Supreme Leader has called for calm, and under the constitution, the first vice president would step in if the president does not survive, with elections to follow.

Takeaways

  • 🚁 A major search operation is underway for a crashed helicopter carrying Iran's President and Foreign Minister.
  • 🌫️ The crash occurred in thick fog in the northwest of Iran, near the border with neighboring Aeran Mass.
  • 🔍 The search involves a fleet of ambulances, army resources, and members of Iran's Red Crescent on foot.
  • 🐕 Rescue teams with dogs are also searching, but poor visibility is hindering efforts.
  • 🛸 Drones are present but unable to operate due to the heavy fog and low visibility.
  • 👤 President Ibrahim RI and Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdullah are the two missing individuals.
  • 🏗️ Both were on a day trip to inaugurate a new dam project near the border region.
  • 📺 The first indication of the crash came from state-run television, with unconfirmed reports of a hard landing.
  • 🙏 Prayers are being said in Iran for the president's survival, but not all Iranians support the regime.
  • 🌍 International attention is high due to Iran's pivotal role in the Middle East and current regional turmoil.
  • 📝 If the president does not survive, the first vice president would step in, with elections to follow within approximately 50 days.

Q & A

  • What type of incident occurred involving Iran's president and foreign minister?

    -A helicopter carrying Iran's president and its foreign minister crashed in the northwest of the country due to thick fog.

  • Where were the president and foreign minister returning from when the crash occurred?

    -They were returning from a visit to the border with neighboring Aeran Mass and had been inaugurating a new dam project.

  • How many helicopters were in the convoy that traveled across Iranian territory?

    -There were three helicopters in the convoy, two of which returned back safely.

  • What was the condition of the area where the helicopter crash occurred?

    -The helicopter crashed in mountainous territory in the Jola region on the border, where heavy fog and poor visibility made rescue efforts difficult.

  • What resources were mobilized for the search operation?

    -The army ordered all necessary resources for the search, and members of Iran's Red Crescent, along with rescue teams and drone teams, were involved in the search operation.

  • Why were drones unable to operate effectively during the search?

    -Drones were unable to operate effectively due to the thick fog and low visibility in the area.

  • What was the initial indication that something had gone wrong with the helicopter?

    -The first indication came from state-run television, which reported unconfirmed incidents involving the helicopter carrying the president in the Jola region.

  • How is President Ibrahim RI described in the context of Iranian leadership?

    -President RI is described as a hardliner, number two to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah, who is the ultimate authority in Iran.

  • What is the significance of the foreign minister's role in international negotiations?

    -The foreign minister is a familiar figure on the international stage and has been involved in many negotiations, including those over Iran's nuclear program.

  • What is the potential impact of this incident on Iran's political landscape?

    -The incident could have significant implications for Iran's political landscape, especially considering President RI's position as a key and controversial figure, and the potential for a successor to the aging Supreme Leader.

  • What is the constitutional process if the president were not to survive the crash?

    -Under the Constitution, the first vice president would step in, and there would be elections within approximately 50 days.

  • How have international and regional actors responded to the incident?

    -Several Arab countries, including Turkey, have offered assistance, and the EU is helping with a satellite mapping service at the request of Iran.

Outlines

00:00

🚁 Helicopter Crash Involving Iran's President and Foreign Minister

A major search operation is in progress following the crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's President Ibrahim RI and Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdullah in the northwest region. The two were returning from a visit to the border with neighboring Aeran Mass to inaugurate a new dam project. The crash occurred in the Jola region, where the helicopter was lost in heavy fog. Despite a large-scale rescue effort involving the army, Iran's Red Crescent, and rescue dogs, poor visibility has hindered the search. Unconfirmed reports of a hard landing have emerged, and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah has called for calm and continuity, assuring that the country's operations will not be disrupted. International attention is high due to Iran's geopolitical significance, and several Arab countries have offered assistance.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Search Operation

A search operation is a coordinated effort to locate a person, object, or in this case, a crashed helicopter. It is a critical response to an emergency situation, often involving multiple agencies and specialized equipment. In the video's context, a major search operation is underway in the northwest of Iran to find the crashed helicopter carrying the country's president and foreign minister, highlighting the urgency and importance of the mission.

💡Helicopter Crash

A helicopter crash refers to an accident involving a helicopter that results in damage or loss. Helicopter crashes can occur for various reasons, including mechanical failure, human error, or adverse weather conditions. In the script, the helicopter crash is the central event, as it involves high-profile figures and has triggered a large-scale search and rescue mission in difficult weather conditions.

💡Thick Fog

Thick fog is a weather condition characterized by dense cloudiness close to the ground, reducing visibility significantly. It can pose a significant challenge for aviation and ground operations due to the limited visibility it provides. In the video, thick fog is mentioned as a contributing factor to the helicopter crash and as a hindrance to the search operation, emphasizing the challenging conditions faced by the rescue teams.

💡President Ibrahim RI

President Ibrahim RI is a key figure in the video, as he is the leader of Iran who was involved in the helicopter crash. The president plays a central role in the government and is responsible for the country's executive functions. His involvement in the crash makes the event a matter of national concern and international interest, as it could have significant implications for Iran's political landscape.

💡Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdullah

The foreign minister is a high-ranking government official responsible for representing their country in international relations. In this video, Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdullah of Iran is also involved in the helicopter crash. His role in international diplomacy, including negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, makes his presence in the crash noteworthy and adds to the gravity of the situation.

💡Iran

Iran is a country located in Western Asia, known for its rich history and geopolitical significance. In the script, Iran is the primary location of the events described, with the president and foreign minister being Iranian officials. The country's political stability and international relations could be affected by the outcome of the helicopter crash and the search operation.

💡Red Crescent

The Red Crescent is a symbol associated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which provides humanitarian aid during emergencies. In the video, members of Iran's Red Crescent are involved in the search for the crashed helicopter, demonstrating the mobilization of relief organizations in response to the disaster.

💡Rescue Dogs

Rescue dogs are specially trained canines used in search and rescue operations to locate missing persons or objects. They are valued for their keen sense of smell and ability to navigate difficult terrain. In the script, rescue dogs are part of the search teams looking for the missing helicopter, indicating the use of specialized resources in the operation.

💡Drones

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are used for various purposes, including surveillance and search operations. They can provide aerial views and assist in locating hard-to-reach areas. However, in the video, the drones are unable to operate effectively due to the thick fog, illustrating the limitations of technology in certain conditions.

💡State Run Television

State run television refers to a broadcasting service that is operated or controlled by the government. It often serves as a primary source of news and information for the public. In the script, state run television is the source of the first indication that something went wrong with the helicopter, showing its role in disseminating critical information to the public.

💡International Stage

The international stage refers to the global arena where countries interact diplomatically, politically, and economically. The foreign minister's involvement in the crash highlights Iran's role on the international stage, particularly in negotiations such as those over its nuclear program. The event could potentially impact Iran's diplomatic relations and international standing.

💡Supreme Leader

The Supreme Leader is the highest-ranking political and religious authority in Iran. The script mentions that President RI is second to the Supreme Leader, indicating the hierarchical structure of power in Iran. The Supreme Leader's age and the potential for a leadership transition add another layer of complexity to the situation following the crash.

💡Continuity

Continuity in this context refers to the uninterrupted flow of government operations and stability despite a crisis. The message of calm and continuity from Iran's most senior leader aims to reassure the public and maintain order in the country. It suggests the importance of maintaining stability during times of uncertainty, such as the aftermath of the helicopter crash.

Highlights

A major search operation is underway after a helicopter crash involving Iran's president and foreign minister.

The crash occurred in the northwest of Iran in thick fog while returning from a border visit with neighboring Aeran Mass.

President Ibrahim RI and Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdullah are missing following the crash.

They were on a day trip to inaugurate a new dam project at the Iran-Aaban border.

A convoy of three helicopters was involved, with two returning safely and one crashing.

The crash happened in mountainous territory in the Jola region due to heavy fog.

All contact with the helicopter carrying the president and foreign minister was lost.

A fleet of ambulances and the army have been mobilized for the search operation.

Members of Iran's Red Crescent are searching the rugged landscape on foot.

Poor visibility and thick fog have hindered the search and rescue efforts.

Three drone teams and three teams with rescue dogs are involved in the search.

Initial reports suggest a hard landing for the helicopter carrying the president.

President RI is a hardliner and second to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah.

Iran's foreign minister is a familiar figure in international negotiations, including over Iran's nuclear program.

The regime is not popular with many Iranians who wish to see an end to the Islamic Republic.

The Supreme Leader has called for calm and continuity, expressing hope for the president's return.

Internationally, Iran is a pivotal country in the Middle East, and its stability is of global concern.

Under Iran's constitution, if the president does not survive, the first vice president would step in, followed by elections.

President RI has been a key and controversial figure in Iran for decades and was considered a potential successor to the Supreme Leader.

Iran is facing internal and external challenges, including protests over dress codes and regional turmoil.

Several Arab countries and the EU have offered assistance in the search operation.

Transcripts

00:00

a major search operation is underway

00:02

after a helicopter carrying Iran's

00:04

president and its foreign minister

00:07

crashed in the northwest of the country

00:09

in thick fog president Ibrahim RI had

00:12

been returning from a visit to the

00:13

border with neighboring aeran Mass

00:16

prayers are being said in Iran as the

00:18

search continues our correspondent

00:21

Caroline Hy is here with what we know so

00:24

far Caroline thanks Jane well these are

00:27

the two men missing after the crash

00:29

president rice on the left the country's

00:31

foreign minister Hussein Amir Abdullah

00:34

on the right they'd both been on a day

00:36

trip today to Iran's border region with

00:39

aaban inaugurating a new dam project

00:41

right here we've got an image of him at

00:44

the site of the dam and the helicopter

00:46

he was traveling in now a convoy of

00:48

three helicopters is believed to have

00:50

then traveled across Iranian territory

00:52

two returned back safely but the one

00:55

carrying the president and foreign

00:56

minister crashed in mountainous

00:58

territory in heavy fog in the Jola

01:00

region On the Border all contact with it

01:03

was then

01:04

lost you can see how bad conditions were

01:07

in the area as the rescue operation was

01:10

underway a fleet of ambulances on

01:13

standby the Army is reported to have

01:16

ordered all resources needed to be

01:18

thrown at the

01:19

search members of Iran's red crescent

01:22

scoured the rugged landscape on foot for

01:24

any sign of the missing helicopter but

01:27

poor visibility made it difficult for

01:29

the rescue teams to reach the scene of

01:30

the crash even to locate

01:34

it there are currently three drone teams

01:37

in the area but due to the thick fog and

01:39

low visibility the drones were not able

01:41

to successfully operate there are also

01:44

three teams with rescue dogs in the area

01:46

we are searching and we hope we'll be

01:48

able to reach positive results very

01:53

soon the first indication that something

01:56

had gone wrong came on state run

01:57

television

02:01

there are unconfirmed reports of an

02:03

incident involving the helicopter

02:05

carrying the president in the Jola

02:07

region initial reports cite a hard

02:09

Landing for the helicopter carrying the

02:12

president president RI seen here earlier

02:15

with his counterpart from aaban is a

02:17

hardliner number two to the Supreme

02:19

Leader Ayatollah who is the ultimate

02:22

Authority in Iran also missing is Iran's

02:25

foreign minister a familiar figure on

02:27

the international stage he'd been

02:29

involved in many negotiations including

02:32

over the country's nuclear

02:34

program regime supporters came out to

02:37

pray for the president these images

02:39

broadcast on state run TV though not

02:42

everyone in Iran is praying for his

02:44

survival the regime is not popular with

02:46

many Iranians who'd like to see an end

02:48

to the Islamic Republic but from its

02:51

most senior leader a message of calm of

02:54

continuity hope that God will return the

02:57

president and fellow Travelers to the

03:00

people the Iranian Nation must not be

03:04

worried and rest assured there will be

03:07

no disruption to Running of the

03:11

country late at night there's still no

03:14

news of the fate of the president and

03:15

his foreign minister several Arab

03:18

countries have offered assistance turkey

03:20

has sent a mountain rescue team and the

03:22

EU will help with a satellite mapping

03:24

service at the request of Teran the

03:27

world is watching closely what happens

03:30

next in

03:32

Iran and so Caroline tonight as we await

03:35

further news how significant is all of

03:37

this internationally well the world is

03:40

watching closely because Iran is such a

03:42

pivotal country in the Middle East and

03:44

it's such a turbulent time at the moment

03:45

with the war in Gaza and all the

03:47

spillover of that so what happens in

03:49

Iran matters to the world now under the

03:52

Constitution if the president were not

03:54

to survive there is a process uh the

03:56

first vice president would step in there

03:58

would be elections with in I think it's

04:00

50 days maybe a bit longer uh now he's a

04:03

conservative so you wouldn't expect any

04:05

dramatic change of policy but president

04:08

REI has been a key and controversial

04:11

figure in Iran for many decades he was

04:13

tipped to be successor to the supreme

04:16

leader who is the ultimate Authority in

04:18

Iran that supreme leader is now 85 years

04:20

old so it's a time of great challenge

04:23

for Iran both inside the country and

04:25

abroad challenges for example the

04:28

protests that you may

04:30

over dress codes in Iran so it is really

04:33

an extraordinary moment for the country

04:35

and many people in the region will be

04:37

watching closely to see how things

04:40

unfold at a time of such great turmoil

04:43

Caroline all right thank you for now

04:45

Caroline Hy