Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the border with Azerbaijan on Monday, according to state media and public officials.

Search and Discovery
After an overnight search in blizzard conditions, the charred wreckage of the helicopter carrying Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Raisi was found early on Monday.

Official Confirmation
A senior Iranian source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, confirmed, "President Raisi, the foreign minister, and all the passengers in the helicopter were killed in the crash." Vice President Mohsen Mansouri later confirmed Raisi's death on official television and through social media.

Crash Details
While the official cause of the crash has not been disclosed, State TV reported that images from the scene indicated the helicopter collided with a mountain peak. The state news agency IRNA noted that Raisi was on board a Bell 212 helicopter, which is manufactured in the United States.

Raisi's Presidency
Raisi, 63, who became president in 2021, was known for tightening moral rules, suppressing anti-government protests, and pushing for nuclear negotiations with international powers. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, reassured the nation that state business would continue uninterrupted.

Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams braved the harsh weather and difficult terrain throughout the night to reach the crash site. Iran's Red Crescent head, Pirhossein Kolivand, stated on state TV that "no signs of life have been detected among the helicopter's passengers."

International Response
The crash prompted international concern and offers of support. The White House reported that US President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident. China expressed deep concern, and the European Union offered emergency satellite mapping technology to assist with the situation.