2024 Varzaqan helicopter crash

On May 19, 2024, Iranian state television reported a "hard landing" incident involving a helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi. The incident occurred while Raisi was traveling in Iran's East Azerbaijan province, near the city of Jolfa, situated on the border with Azerbaijan.

Background

Earlier on the same day, Raisi had been in Azerbaijan to inaugurate a dam alongside President Ilham Aliyev. This dam marks the third collaborative project between Iran and Azerbaijan on the Aras River.

Iran maintains a fleet of helicopters, but faces challenges in obtaining necessary parts due to international sanctions. Additionally, much of Iran's military air fleet traces its origins back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

President Ebrahim Raisi, aged 63, is a prominent hard-liner who previously served as Iran's judiciary head. He is considered a close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leading to speculation among analysts regarding his potential succession to the leadership role in the event of Ayatollah Khamenei's resignation or passing.