A military helicopter experienced a technical malfunction on the morning of 24/2 and crashed into a vegetable market in Iran's central province of Isfahan. The incident killed two pilots aboard the aircraft and two vendors on the ground. The helicopter was on a training flight when the crash occurred, according to Iran's IRNA news agency.

The type of helicopter was not specified by official sources. However, open-source intelligence accounts on X identified the aircraft as an AH-1J Super Cobra model. Iran acquired these helicopters from the US before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The scene of the helicopter crash in Iran's Isfahan province on 24/2. *Tasnim*

Isfahan province is home to a significant airbase and a nuclear facility. The US attacked this nuclear facility during a conflict between Iran and Israel in 6/2025.

Iran has experienced several aviation disasters recently. Western sanctions hinder the country's ability to acquire spare parts for its aging aircraft fleet, contributing to these incidents.

This latest crash follows another incident on 19/2, when an Iranian F-4 fighter jet crashed during a night training exercise in the western province of Hamadan. That crash killed one of its two pilots, while the other pilot survived after successfully ejecting. Authorities are investigating the cause of the F-4 incident, though Iranian state media suggested a technical malfunction was likely.

The recent helicopter crash occurs amid escalating tensions between Iran and the US, ahead of a new round of nuclear negotiations. These talks are scheduled for 26/2 in Geneva, Switzerland.

An AH-1J helicopter flying in Iran in 2018. *Jet Photos*

The US has threatened to attack Iran if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington regarding its nuclear and missile programs. The US is increasing its military presence in the Middle East, deploying hundreds of modern fighter jets to the region.

Iran has stated it will not yield to pressure from the US and refuses to negotiate on missile issues. However, Tehran remains open to the possibility of a nuclear program agreement.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, AP, IRNA)