Focus on the BIG picture.
Sunday, Feb 22, 2026
Outside the box.
Over 60 Rescue Teams Search for Iran's President After Helicopter Crash
Iran faces crisis as President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter goes missing in foggy mountains. Over 60 rescue teams are searching, with dire weather conditions complicating efforts. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged calm, while international communities offer help.
Iran faced uncertainty on Sunday as search and rescue teams combed a foggy mountain area after President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter went missing in East Azerbaijan province.
The 63-year-old president, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and others, were aboard.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reassured the public, encouraging them not to worry.
Over 60 rescue teams with search dogs and drones were dispatched to the Dizmar protected forest near Varzaghan.
State news reported the helicopter crash in Jolfa, citing harsh weather conditions.
Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi confirmed a hard landing in poor weather, urging citizens to trust state TV for updates.
Raisi's convoy had three helicopters; two reached safely.
The president had visited the region for a dam inauguration with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, who expressed deep concern.
Many foreign countries offered assistance as regional tensions were high, especially from ongoing Gaza conflicts.
U.S. officials and President Joe Biden were briefed on the incident.
Raisi has been president since 2021 and has dealt with significant domestic and international challenges.
Public prayers and global solidarity for his safe return continue.
The 63-year-old president, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and others, were aboard.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reassured the public, encouraging them not to worry.
Over 60 rescue teams with search dogs and drones were dispatched to the Dizmar protected forest near Varzaghan.
State news reported the helicopter crash in Jolfa, citing harsh weather conditions.
Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi confirmed a hard landing in poor weather, urging citizens to trust state TV for updates.
Raisi's convoy had three helicopters; two reached safely.
The president had visited the region for a dam inauguration with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, who expressed deep concern.
Many foreign countries offered assistance as regional tensions were high, especially from ongoing Gaza conflicts.
U.S. officials and President Joe Biden were briefed on the incident.
Raisi has been president since 2021 and has dealt with significant domestic and international challenges.
Public prayers and global solidarity for his safe return continue.
