Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on board the helicopter that suffered a “hard landing” in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, says Iranian state media.
Adverse weather conditions, including heavy fog, are hampering rescue efforts and the helicopter is still missing.
Iran’s Fars News Agency calls on Iranians to pray for President Raisi.
The Armenian foreign ministry says in a short statement that it is shocked by the news from Iran and is praying for the Iranian president and others.
“As rescue operations continue, Armenia, as a close and friendly neighbour of Iran, is ready to provide all necessary support.”
Air searches halted amid deteriorating weather
Babak Yektaparast, the spokesperson for the emergency services organisation, says aerial searches became untenable shortly after darkness fell.
“Unfortunately, continuing aerial operations was no longer possible due to intense fog across the region,” he said, adding that more ambulances were dispatched.
But the official stressed that air ambulances are standing prepared in Tabriz and Tehran.