Statements from the Iranian government or family

Putin Orders Two Planes, 50 Rescuers to Assist in Search for Missing Iranian President's Helicopter

May 19, 2024, 09:14 PM

Russia has announced its readiness to assist in the search and rescue operation for the missing helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the dispatch of two advanced aircraft, helicopters, and 50 professional mountain rescuers to Tabriz, Iran, within the hour. The Russian Foreign Ministry, through spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and special assistant Igor Levitin, confirmed that Moscow is prepared to extend all necessary help in both the search efforts and the investigation into the causes of the incident. The search and rescue crew has also departed from Iraq to aid in the operation.