An investigation has commenced following the tragic helicopter crash that killed Iran's President Ibrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The crash occurred on Sunday, May 19, as the officials were returning from a dam inauguration in the Azerbaijan border area.

Iran's ISNA News Agency reported that Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran's military, has ordered a high-level committee to investigate the crash. A delegation led by Brigadier Ali Abdullahi has already arrived at the crash site and commenced their inquiry.

The helicopter crashed in a remote, mountainous area near Jolfa, making search and rescue operations difficult due to thick fog and rugged terrain. The helicopter was reportedly burned to ashes upon impact, and all passengers, including President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, were killed.

President Raisi was on his way back to Tabriz after inaugurating a dam jointly built by Iran and Azerbaijan. The remote location of the crash site posed significant challenges for search teams, who struggled to locate the wreckage amidst adverse weather conditions.

The investigation team, led by Brigadier Ali Abdullahi, is expected to conduct a thorough examination of the crash site and the helicopter's remains. The findings will be made public upon completion of the investigation.

Following the crash, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared five days of national mourning and appointed First Vice President Mohammad Mokhbar as the interim president. Funeral services for President Raisi and other victims are scheduled to be held in Tabriz.

This incident marks a significant moment of grief and transition for Iran, as the nation awaits the results of the investigation and prepares for new presidential elections set for June 28.