Iran seeks US help after helicopter crash, US citing logistical obstacles
Iran requests U.S. assistance after a helicopter crash, but logistical constraints prevent aid, says U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller disclosed the rare request from Iran during a news briefing, stating that the U.S. would offer assistance in such situations. However, logistical constraints prevented the U.S. from extending support, though no further details were provided.
On Monday, the U.S. expressed its condolences following a helicopter crash over the weekend that claimed the life of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. The Iranian government had requested assistance from the U.S., which, due mainly to logistical challenges, was unable to provide.
“We were asked for assistance by the Iranian government. We did make clear to them that we would offer assistance, as we would do in response to any request by a foreign government in this sort of situation,” Miller stated.
“Ultimately, largely for logistical reasons, we were unable to provide that assistance,” he added without further details.
The wreckage of the helicopter, carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and six others, was discovered on Monday after an overnight search in harsh weather conditions. Iran has yet to announce the cause of the crash, which occurred near the Azerbaijan border.
US Defense Secretary: No US involvement in crash
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the U.S. played no role in the crash and declined to speculate on its cause.
Despite the crash occurring amidst Iran’s internal and external challenges, Austin downplayed any immediate security concerns in the region.
“The United States had no part to play in that crash. I can’t speculate on what may have been the cause,” Lloyd added.
US rejects speculations
On the other hand, the White House dismissed allegations that U.S. sanctions were responsible for the fatal crash of an Iranian helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby labeled the claims “utterly baseless,” affirming that the U.S. has yet to ascertain the cause of Sunday’s crash.
“Iranian official sources are out there citing poor flying conditions as a cause for concern, specifically fog,” Kirby told reporters on Monday.
“So again, totally baseless accusation, no truth to it,” added Kirby claiming that, Iranian regime once again will find a way to blame the U.S. for its own problems.
Source: Newsroom
