Search teams have yet to find the missing helicopter with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi aboard.

The chopper, which also had Hossein Amirabdollahian, foreign minister; Malek Rahmati, governor of East Azarbaijan province; and Hojjatoleslam Al Hashem, Tabriz Friday prayer leader, on board, crash-landed Sunday afternoon in the Varzaqan region.

Over 20 search and relief teams were immediately dispatched to the area to find the missing helicopter, including drones and sniffer dogs.

The Iranian armed forces have also deployed commando units and special forces to assist in the search operation. However, foggy weather and the impassability of the area have frustrated efforts.

Babak Yektaparast, the spokesperson for Iran’s emergency services, said an emergency helicopter was dispatched to assist but was forced to turn back due to the heavy fog as it could not land in the area.

“Unfortunately, continuing aerial operations was no longer possible due to intense fog across the region,” he said, adding that more ambulances were dispatched.

Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, urged citizens to pray for the president and everyone aboard the chopper.

“The  Iranian nation must not be concerned or worried; there will be no disruption in the work of the country,” Khamenei said.

Iraq and Armenia, both neighbouring countries, have offered support in locating Raisi.

The US said it is watching reports and added that President Joe Biden has been briefed.

Manchester City are champions of the 2023/24 English Premier League season after defeating West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad on the campaign’s final day.

The Citizen clinched the title after finishing just two points over Arsenal, who defeated Everton 2-1 at the Emirate Stadium.

The latest title triumph is Man City’s fourth consecutive title, a record-setting achievement for Pep Guardiola’s side.

It is also the club’s 10th EPL title and the sixth since Guardiola took over the team in 2016.

A Phil Foden brace and Rodri’s shot in second-half ensured Man City ended the season with 91 points over Arsenal’s accumulated total of 89.

The two teams’ performances took the title race to the season’s final day, and the Citizens executed their plans to perfection.

Arsenal had to come from a goal down against Everton, but their effort proved short of the indefatigable champions.

Idrissa Gueye put Everton ahead early in the first half after his freekick was deflected past David Raya by Declan Rice into the net. The Gunners struck back three minutes later when Takehiro Tomiyaso stroked the ball home after Martin Odegaard teed him up.

Kai Havertz completed the come-back for Mikel Arteta’s side with one of the final kicks of the game.

Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp got a winning farewell in his final game at Anfield, thanks to a Liverpool 2-0 victory over ten-men Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Chelsea confirmed their return to European football next season with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth, while Manchester United will hope to win the FA Cup for a chance to play European football next season after finishing eighth in the league despite a 2-0 win at Brighton.

Luton join Burnley and Sheffield United to be relegated from the EPL following a 4-2 loss to Fulham at home.

RESULTS

Arsenal 2-1 Everton
Brentford 2-4 Newcastle United
Brighton 0-2 Manchester United
Burnley 1-2 Nott. Forest
Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth
Crystal Palace 5-0 Aston Villa
Liverpool 2-0 Wolves
Luton 2-4 Fulham
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
Sheffield Utd 0-3 Tottenham

Manchester City are champions of the 2023/24 English Premier League season after defeating West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad on Sunday. 

The Citizen clinched the title after finishing just one point over Arsenal, who defeated Everton 2-1 at the Emirate Stadium.

Details later…