Egypt expresses deep concern over missing plane carrying Iranian President

CAIRO – 19 May 2024: Egypt expressed its deep concern over reports of the accident involving the plane carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and their accompanying delegation.

"We extend our solidarity to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran during this challenging time, and our thoughts are with the safety and well-being of President Raisi and his companions," said Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid on his X account.

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was involved in an accident in East Azerbaijan Province, as part of a convoy of three helicopters, Iranian media reported.

Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Army, Mohammad Bagheri, ordered the use of the capabilities of the army and the Revolutionary Guard for rescue and search operations in the helicopter crash of President Ebrahim Raisi.

Foreign Minister Amir-Abdullahian and a number of officials were on board the helicopter with the Iranian president.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, reassures the Iranian people, stating that there should be no cause for concern and that the country's operations will proceed without disruption.

The Russian news agency "Sputnik" reported that the Iranian T.V. started broadcasting recitation of the Noble Quran.