Iran Declares Five Days of Mourning After President Raisi’s Fatal Helicopter Crash

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has declared five days of national mourning following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. The announcement came on Monday, a day after the fatal accident that also claimed the lives of other high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

In an official statement, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his condolences to the nation, stating, “I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran.”

The helicopter carrying President Raisi and his entourage crashed in a mountainous region of East Azerbaijan province. Rescue teams had been searching the area since Sunday afternoon, when the helicopter first went missing. Early Monday, relief workers found the wreckage, confirming the deaths of Raisi and other officials on board.

State television confirmed the president’s death, referring to Raisi as “The servant of the Iranian nation,” and stating that he had “achieved the highest level of martyrdom whilst serving the people.” Photos of Raisi were broadcast with the recitation of the Koran in the background, adding a somber tone to the national broadcast.

Mohsen Mansouri, Iran’s Vice President for Executive Affairs, shared a Koranic verse on X (formerly Twitter) to express his condolences, reflecting the deep sorrow felt across the nation.

The loss of President Raisi is a significant blow to Iran, coming at a time of considerable domestic and international challenges. His death has plunged the country into mourning and has raised questions about the immediate future of Iran’s political landscape.