A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has crashed in the Zolfa area of East Azerbaijan province. The accident occurred while the helicopter was crossing a mountainous region near the border with Azerbaijan, according to an Iranian official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The official expressed grave concern about the safety of President Raisi and the Foreign Minister, stating, "We are all optimistic. However, the news from the crash site is very disturbing."

At least 40 rapid response teams and 9 ambulance helicopters are involved in the search and rescue operations for President Raisi and the other passengers. Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi told state television that various rescue teams are trying to reach the crash site, but dense fog and poor weather conditions are significantly hindering the efforts.

Iran's state news agency, IRNA, reported that President Raisi had traveled to the area a day earlier to meet with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev. The two leaders had inaugurated a dam constructed by a joint venture between Iran and Azerbaijan. The accident occurred on the return trip.

In addition to President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-Hashem, the supreme leader's representative in the province, and East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati were also aboard the helicopter.

Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian and Housing and Transport Minister Mehrdad Bazarpash were traveling in two separate helicopters that returned safely.

The BBC, citing a reporter from the Fars news agency, reported that the accident occurred in a mountainous area where visibility is severely limited due to fog, making it difficult to see even five meters ahead.

Rescue teams continue to work under challenging conditions, and the nation remains anxiously awaiting further updates on the rescue efforts and the safety of those involved.