Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi May Have Been Assassinated; Helicopter Still Missing

Rescue Teams Have Yet to Locate Crash Site of Iranian President’s Helicopter

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O presidente iraniano, Ebrahim Raisi, participa de uma reunião com o presidente do Azerbaijão, Ilham Aliyev, na fronteira entre o Azerbaijão e o Irã, em 19 de maio de 2024. Presidência do Irã/WANA/Reuters

Rescue teams have yet to locate the crash site of the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, according to the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Pir-Hossein Koulivand. In an interview with Iranian state TV IRINN, Koulivand detailed the ongoing efforts and difficulties faced in the search.

Earlier, a military commander reported that the exact location of the aircraft was detected through a signal from the helicopter and a crew member’s cell phone. These details, provided by the state news agency IRNA, indicated initial hope for a quick discovery of the crash site.

Adverse Weather and Fog Hamper Searches

However, rescue teams are still searching in the areas where the signals were detected. “Adverse weather conditions and heavy fog have greatly hindered the search for the crash site,” Koulivand stated. The remote and mountainous province where the helicopter disappeared presents particular challenges for rescue operations, especially at night when visibility is reduced.

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Emerging Conspiracy Theories

The disappearance of the helicopter has sparked various conspiracy theories. Among them is the hypothesis that the president may have been assassinated or kidnapped by Mossad, Israel’s secret service. This theory has gained traction on social media and in some political circles, despite the lack of concrete evidence so far.

Additionally, there are troubling reports that some of the rescue teams involved in the search for the helicopter have also disappeared. This situation has further heightened tension and speculation about what might have happened to President Raisi and his entourage.

State media have been cautious in addressing these theories, focusing primarily on the rescue efforts and the difficulties faced by the teams on the ground. However, the lack of concrete information and continued uncertainty fuel anxiety among both government officials and the public.

As the search continues, authorities are urging calm and patience. “We are doing everything in our power to locate the helicopter and bring answers to the Iranian people,” Koulivand said, appealing to the public to avoid speculation until more information is confirmed.

Aviation and security experts are also being called in to assist with the investigations, aiming to better understand what may have caused the helicopter’s disappearance. Authorities are not ruling out any possibilities, from an accident due to weather conditions to potential acts of sabotage.

The situation continues to develop, with updates expected in the coming hours. The world watches closely as Iran seeks answers to this mysterious disappearance involving such a prominent figure as President Ebrahim Raisi.