Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a significant figure widely considered a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has died in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijani border. The tragic accident, which occurred in a rugged mountainous area in northwest Iran, also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian and several other high-ranking officials, according to state media reports on Monday.

International Condolences

The untimely death of President Raisi has prompted an outpouring of condolences from world leaders and dignitaries, expressing solidarity and sympathy with the Iranian people.

Kurdistan Region: Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and President Nechirvan Barzani both conveyed their heartfelt condolences, emphasizing the profound loss for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

United Arab Emirates: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared his deepest condolences on social media, stating that the UAE stands in solidarity with Iran during this difficult time.

Qatar: Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani extended his sympathies on Platform X, expressing his sorrow for the deaths of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdullahian, and the accompanying officials.

Egypt: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi conveyed his condolences through the Egyptian presidency, emphasizing Egypt's support for Iran during this tragedy.

Syria: President Bashar al-Assad sent his condolences to the Iranian leadership, marking the profound loss.

Iraq: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani expressed his sorrow, extending his condolences to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Iranian government, and the people of Iran.

Lebanon: Hezbollah recognized the significant loss to Iran, while the Palestinian Hamas movement praised Raisi's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause.

Russia: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted the deep impact of Raisi's death on the international stage.

Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a day of mourning in Pakistan, expressing deep condolences to the Iranian nation.

India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sadness over Raisi's death, and the President of the Council of Europe offered condolences from Brussels.

Details of the Crash

Iranian media reported that the helicopter, which went missing on Sunday, was found with "no sign" of life in the wreckage. A Turkish drone located the crash site and alerted Iranian rescue teams. Pir Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, confirmed the discovery, stating, “The situation is not good.” Official media broadcast a picture of Raisi accompanied by verses from the Holy Quran, although an official announcement is still pending.

Reactions Within Iran

The news has shaken the nation, with former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and other officials expressing condolences on social media. Mehr News Agency announced, "Mr. Ebrahim Raisi was martyred" along with Foreign Minister Abdullahian.

As Iran mourns the loss of its president and other officials, the impact of this tragedy is felt both domestically and internationally, marking a significant moment in the country's history.