Helicopter Carrying Iran’s President Crashes

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A helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran crashed in a remote part of the country yesterday, according to state media. The helicopter — which was also carrying Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian — has not yet been found.

The cause of the crash remains unknown. State news reported that an extensive search-and-rescue operation involving at least 20 teams is underway, although efforts are being hampered by inclement weather.

The delegation of ministers traveled in a convoy of three helicopters; the other two reached their destinations safely. This incident occurs at a critical time in international relations, just days after senior U.S. and Iranian officials engaged in talks through intermediaries to mitigate the risk of broader conflict in the Middle East.

Raisi, the second most powerful figure in Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was seen by many analysts as being groomed for the role of the next supreme leader.

Iranian law stipulates that if the president dies, power is transferred to the first vice president, with an election to be held within six months. The current first vice president is Mohammad Mokhber, a conservative politician.

### Russia Moves Closer to Kharkiv

Russian forces have advanced closer to the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, which could soon be within artillery range. This positioning might allow Moscow to strike residential neighborhoods and target power stations.

Experts suggest Russia might be aiming to create a buffer zone to prevent Ukrainian artillery from targeting Russian towns and cities. President Vladimir Putin stated that this was the offensive's goal and that Russian forces had no plans to capture the city itself. Military analysts note that Russia lacks the necessary forces for such an operation.

As Russia intensifies its push into the Kharkiv region, Ukraine’s military, stretched thin over a 600-mile front line, has few reserves to deploy. A mobilization law that came into effect on Saturday includes incentives for volunteers and new penalties for those evading conscription. Ukraine will also allow some convicts to serv