Revisiting Iran’s Presidential Helicopter Crash: Truth or Rumors?
WANA (Dec 18) – The helicopter crash of Iran’s late president near the village of Owzi in Varzeqan, northern East Azerbaijan Province, remains a topic of speculation, with some continuing to present alternative narratives and rumors. The incident, which occurred during adverse weather conditions, was met with a wave of speculation and misinformation from the very first hours.
Despite the release of an official report, certain political factions with specific motives have sought to reopen the case. At a recent event, an Iranian Parliament member claimed that the president was assassinated and suggested the helicopter had been deliberately destroyed mid-air.
“They martyred the president, but some authorities see no need to announce it… Instead, they blame a cloud. What a dense and intelligent cloud it must have been!” the Parliament member remarked, casting doubt on the findings of Iran’s Armed Forces without providing any evidence and employing provocative rhetoric to stir anti-Iran narratives in the media.
Iran’s late president’s helicopter crash. Social media/ WANA News Agency
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, opposition and anti-Iranian outlets fueled baseless claims. Some alleged the helicopter had been struck by a man-portable missile, while others suggested deliberate sabotage by the pilot. None of these allegations were substantiated, yet they sought to amplify ambiguity and provoke a media frenzy.
Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to adverse weather, heavy rain, and dense fog in a forested region. As the mission dragged on, rumors began to circulate. Early reports from opposition networks claimed that a group had reached the helicopter wreckage and tampered with the site. Hours later, when the wreckage was found, these claims were proven baseless.
Official Helicopter Crash Report
Following expert investigations by the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff, the helicopter crash case was closed. The comprehensive report confirmed that the primary cause of the accident was the region’s complex weather conditions and dense spring fog.
However, as with any similar incident, a new wave of rumors emerged. One such rumor was linked to pager explosions in Lebanon.
One unfounded claim suggested that the flight crew’s use of an “iPad” caused the crash. This was spread on social media, but technical investigations revealed that the pilot’s iPad, after being recovered, showed no signs of software malfunction, and the flight path was entirely in line with the pre-planned route.
In the early days following the incident, rumors circulated that the helicopter had been targeted by external projectiles. However, a thorough examination of the remaining components—including the engine, electronic systems, and power transmission equipment—by experts from the Defense Ministry’s aerospace division revealed no evidence of an external strike or sabotage.
Additionally, data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) was analyzed. The recordings indicated that the pilot had not issued any warnings or declared an emergency, confirming the incident was not caused by external factors.
Scene reconstruction showed that the helicopter, due to heavy fog and reduced visibility, deviated from its flight corridor and approached a mountainside. In an attempt to ascend rapidly, the tail of the helicopter struck the ground, causing it to detach. This led to the helicopter spinning out of control before the cabin hit the ground and disintegrated.
The Armed Forces General Staff’s report firmly rejected hypotheses involving offensive systems, electronic warfare, magnetic or laser fields. No evidence supporting such claims was found.
Iran’s Opposition Media Reporting Iranian Parliament’s Speech About Rumors of Assassination of Iran’s late president, Raisi. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Scenarios and Hidden Agendas Behind Rumors
These baseless claims pave the way for exploitation by opposition groups and hostile elements seeking to undermine Iran’s military forces. Despite security and technical reports finding no evidence of sabotage or assassination, spreading unfounded scenarios only fuels public anxiety and destabilizes the psychological security of society.
Such rumors emerge as the country faces sensitive regional developments, particularly in Syria. Certain groups are attempting to exploit this situation, raising issues like “turning Iran into Syria” to challenge national security. Meanwhile, some domestic messaging platforms have become hubs for amplifying these rumors.
Ultimately, based on the clear and specialized reports from the responsible authorities, the helicopter crash involving the President was caused by adverse weather conditions and natural factors. There is no evidence to suggest the involvement of sabotage or terrorist activities. Promoting baseless claims not only fails to uncover the truth but serves the interests of adversaries and enemies of the country.
Undoubtedly, the motivations behind such fictional scenarios, both domestically and internationally, vary. However, they share a common goal—especially creating turmoil that threatens national security, with the aim of “Syria-izing” Iran. The unsubstantiated calls for implementing the “True Promise 3” initiative, questioning the Quds Force in the Assad downfall, and reopening the file of Raeisi’s helicopter crash are not coincidental!
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