By bne Tehran bureau
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made an official comment to the congregation at his compound in Tehran over the downing of the Iranian president's helicopter on May 19.
Ali Khamenei has expressed concern and sympathy to the Iranian nation after the helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi made a “hard landing” in a mountainous region in northwestern Iran. News of the aircraft remains unknown despite officials saying that they have made contact with two individuals on the flight.
'We hope that the Almighty God returns the respected and esteemed President and his companions to the embrace of the nation,' Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The Leader urged all Iranians to “pray for the health and safety of President Raisi” and the other public servants on the helicopter.
“The Iranian nation should not be worried or anxious; there will be no disruption to the work of the country,” he reassured.
The helicopter was transporting President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and several other officials when it encountered difficulties and was forced to make a hard landing in the Dizmar forest between the cities of Varzaqan and Jolfa.
President Raisi was returning from a ceremony to inaugurate a dam on the Aras River with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
Mohammad Qalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker, wrote: 'On the night of Imam Reza's birth, we are wholeheartedly awaiting news of his complete health. God willing.'
'Let us pray for the health of the servant of Imam Reza (referencing Raisi’s previous role in Mashhad), the honourable President, Mr Raisi, and his companions. May God, by the blessing of believers' prayers, protect him from harm.'
An extensive search and rescue operation is underway to locate the site of the incident. Harsh weather conditions and the region's rugged terrain are hampering the rescue efforts.
Security services have stepped up patrols across the Iranian capital and other cities amid a flurry of speculation to the fate of the Iranian president and his colleagues in the foothills of the Caucasus.
However, despite increased patrols, evening activities have continued in Tehran, including in areas in the affluent north of the city.
Videos circulating on certain social media pages belonging to banned expatriate media channels have shown in some circumstances people celebrating with fireworks, while reports from the ground said several areas of Tehran have seen people beeping their horns.
Social media has been rife with those for and against the regime’s rule, with those in favour offering prayers in Mashhad and other cities.
