So far, they are attributing it to a technical failure amid mountainous terrain and foggy weather, according to Iran’s state media. Bell Textron, as the helicopter maker is known today, said it doesn’t conduct any business in Iran or support its helicopter fleet there. The Iranian president had previously flown in Russian-made Mi-17 choppers, according to pictures of his travels published by Iranian state media. Most aircraft currently flying in Iran were bought in the 1970s, when the previous U.S.-backed regime ruled Iran. Restrictions on Iran’s aircraft have now been seized upon by Tehran and its supporters as a cause of Sunday’s crash.

Source: Wall Street Journal May 23, 2024 14:17 UTC