Travelled across iranian territory. Two returned back safely, but the one carrying the president and Foreign Minister crashed in mountainous territory in heavy fog. All contact with it was then lost. Our correspondent Caroline Hawley reports. You can see how bad conditions were in the area, as the Rescue Operation was under way. A fleet of ambulances on standby. The army is reported to have ordered all resources needed to be thrown at the search. Members of irans red crescent scoured the rugged landscape on foot for any sign of the missing helicopter, but Poor Visibility made it difficult for the rescue teams to reach the scene of the crash even to locate it. Translation there are currently three drone teams in the area but due to the thick fog and low visibility, the drones were not able to successfully operate. There are also three teams with rescue dogs in the area. We are searching and we hope well be able to reach positive results very soon. The first indication that something had
Iranian analyst abbas faiz gave me his thoughts and reflections on the events of the day so far. Well, i think the scenario that they would probably find the occupants of the helicopter alive may have become somewhat unlikely. So the next scenario might be that they probably know, based on past practice, past practice of the government of the Islamic Republic, they probably know what has happened. And then, again, we have two possibilities. The first possibility is that if, for example, Ebrahim Raisi is still alive, but injured. In that case, i think they would announce the news straightaway and very quickly. But if there is another news for example, that, you know, he is not alive the past practice of the Islamic Republic has been to suppress that news, to suppress that news for quite a few days. And this happened at the time of the death of ayatollah khomeini, and they really announced it several days later. Now, why would they suppress the news . That is really a very big question a
The aircraft in rain and thick fog. Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei has assured the country that there will be no disruption to state affairs. Heres a brief bit of what he said in his first Public Statement about the. Translation may god return the president to the people. I the iranian nation should rest assured they will be no disruption to the running of the country. The reaction to the crash. I the reaction to the crash. I have the reaction to the crash. I have the fine and well and we get to enjoy the news of them being well. This news is unfortunate both for the government and the people. It the government and the people. If anything happens it will take time to replace. It will be chaotic. It to replace. It will be chaotic. [it was to replace. It will be chaotic. Was 100 an to replace. It will be chaotic. It was 100 an accident. It was a cold climate was 100 an accident. It was a cold climate and was 100 an accident. It was a cold climate and it was 100 an accident. It
On the right. Theyd both been on a trip to irans border with azerbaijan. Inaugurating a new dam project. Right here. Helicopter outside image still we ve got an image of him on the ground at the site the one carrying the president and Foreign Minister crashed in mountainous territory in heavy inclement weather. All contact with that helicopter was then lost. A correspondent has this report. You can see how bad conditions were in the area, as the Rescue Operation was under way. A fleet of ambulances on standby. The army is reported to have ordered all resources needed to be thrown at the search. Members of irans red crescent scoured the rugged landscape on foot for any sign of the missing helicopter, but Poor Visibility made it difficult for the rescue teams to reach the scene of the crash even to locate it. Translation there are currently | three drone teams in the area but| due to the thick fog and low visibility, the drones were not able to successfully operate. There are also three