The announcement dashes hopes of an agreement that would keep a longtime U.S. counterterrorism hub in Niger.

The Islamic republic launched a massive search in Iran’s mountainous northwest for the helicopter that had carried President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and others.

Lai Ching-te has vowed to continue Taiwan’s defense and foreign policy of avoiding tensions with China while also standing up for the island democracy’s freedoms.

The 63-year-old hard-liner is widely seen as a protégé and trusted confidant of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

An army spokesperson told state television that a coup attempt Sunday had been swiftly stopped by Congolese security forces.

President Ebrahim Raisi was traveling back to Iran from Azerbaijan. Rescuers were struggling to reach the area due to foggy conditions and mountainous terrain.