Helicopter Carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Crashes

May 19, 2024 Updated 10:28 AM

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed on Sunday, according to Iran's state media.

The helicopter was carrying Raisi and his entourage to the neighboring country of Azerbaijan when it crashed. The cause of the crash is still unknown, but rescue teams are on their way to the site.

Raisi, a hardline cleric close to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was elected Iran's president in June 2021. He is known for his conservative views and his support for Iran's nuclear program.

The crash is a major blow to Raisi and his government. It is also a reminder of the dangers that Iranian leaders face when traveling abroad.