Iranian President's plane accident... Reactions range between "support and concern"

A number of officials in the governments of various countries commented on the news of the crash of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the Foreign Minister while flying over a mountainous area amid heavy fog on Sunday.

Below are the reactions of foreign governments and officials to news of the plane crash:

UAE The UAE confirmed that it is following with great concern what is being circulated in the media regarding the unfortunate accident that occurred with the helicopter that was carrying Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Iranian Republic, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a number of officials.

Saif Mohammed Al Zaabi, the UAE Ambassador to Iran, expressed in a statement his wishes that the search and rescue operations would be crowned with success and that God protect the President, Abdullahian and their companions, noting the UAE’s support and solidarity with the neighboring Iranian people in these critical circumstances.

Al Zaabi confirmed that the embassy received instructions and directives from the leadership to provide assistance to Iran, and is fully prepared to provide what is possible to support search and rescue operations.

Egyptian Foreign Foreign Ministry spokesman Counselor Ahmed Abu Zaid said that Egypt is following with great concern the news circulating about the plane of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdullahian, and the accompanying delegation being involved in a horrific accident.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday: “We stand in solidarity with the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this delicate circumstance, and we pray to God to grant safety to the Iranian president and his companions.”

Iraqi government The Iraqi government said in a statement that it had instructed the Ministry of Interior, the Red Crescent, and “all competent authorities to offer Iran the capabilities available to assist in the search for the Iranian president’s plane that went missing in northern Iran.”

US President Joe Biden The president has been briefed on the situation, Karine Jean-Pierre, a spokeswoman for President Joe Biden , told reporters aboard Air Force One. No further details were provided.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev Raisi was returning from the Iranian border with Azerbaijan when the helicopter crashed. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said: “Our prayers are with President Ibrahim Raisi and his accompanying delegation. The Republic of Azerbaijan, as a neighbour, friendly and brotherly country, is ready to provide any assistance required.”

Turkish President Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he was deeply saddened by the crash of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi, noting that Turkey is in full contact and coordination with the Iranian authorities and is ready to provide any necessary support.