The world seems to be waiting with bated breath for any news of Iran’s President Sayyed Ebrahim Raeisi, who went missing after the helicopter carrying him and other high-ranking officials, encountered a hard landing in northwestern Iran’s East Azerbaijan province earlier today.

Several people took to social media platforms praying for the President’s safety as rescue operations are underway during the harsh weather surrounding the area, which many suspect is the cause of the accident. 

According to Iran’s Red Crescent official, visibility has been reduced to 5 meters in the area of the incident. 

President Raeisi was returning from an official trip to the Azerbaijani border where the two allies inaugurated two hydraulic projects earlier on May 19, 2024.

A massive rescue operation has been launched in the area with several rescue teams. The area is mountainous and is currently experiencing extremely harsh weather, which has significantly slowed down the rescue operation. 

People across the globe took to social media, hoping for the well-being of the Iranian President.

“Humanity is with Raeisi,” wrote Rev Laskaris, a US-based social media influencer on X.

“Pray for Iranian President Raisi,” tweeted Ehsan Safarenejad, an Iranian geopolitical analyst.

“Pray for Iranian President Raisi & Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian,” wrote Jackson Hinkle, a US-based social media influencer and commentator.

“I hope the President and the Foreign Minister of Iran are safe. President Raisi just visited Azerbaijan and together with the President of Azerbaijan, they inaugurated a dam on the border between the two countries. Then he returned to Iran by helicopter, and FM Abdollahian, was also on the plane,” tweeted Hu Xijin, the former chief editor of the Chinese state-run daily Global Times.

The Palestinian Resistance issued a statement in support of the Rescue operations team whilst hoping for the safe return of the Iranian President.

“We in the Islamic Resistance Movement (Ha.mas) are following with great concern the news about the hard landing of the helicopter carrying President Raeisi, FM Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and their companions in northwest Iran,” the group said.  

Upon Iran’s request, Turkey has sent a team of 32 mountaineers and special equipment to assist Iran in locating the President’s crashed chopper and its crew.

Meanwhile Iranian Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, has requested the country to remain calm and pray for the President’s safety.

‘We pray to God that the President and his companions return to the arms of the nation safely, and everyone should pray for this honorable group of servants; there will be no disruption in the country’s affairs, as long as our dear people do not worry,” he said.