In a heartfelt message issued on Monday morning, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed profound sorrow over the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash that occurred in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.
Describing Raisi as a dedicated servant of Iran and Islam, the Supreme Leader hailed him as a hard-working cleric and a beloved president who tirelessly served the people.
"The entire period of responsibility of this noble and selfless person, both during the short term of the presidency and before that, was completely spent in non-stop efforts in serving the people, the country, and Islam," remarked Ayatollah Khamenei. He highlighted Raisi's unwavering commitment to the welfare and satisfaction of the Iranian people, even in the face of adversity and criticism.
Also Read: Iranian President Raisi, FM killed in helicopter crash: official
The Supreme Leader also extended his condolences to the families of the other individuals who lost their lives in the tragic incident, including Hajjat al-Islam Al Hashem, Mr. Amir Abdullahian, Mr. Malik Rahmati, and others.
با اندوه و تاسف فراوان خبر تلخِ #درگذشت_شهادتگونه عالم مجاهد، #رئیسجمهورمردمی و با کفایت و پرتلاش، #خادمالرضا علیه السلام جناب حجة الاسلام و المسلمین آقای حاج سید ابراهیم رئیسی و همراهان گرامی ایشان رضوان الله علیهم را دریافت کردم./۱ pic.twitter.com/5aytFKVtzu
— KHAMENEI.IR | فارسی 🇮🇷 (@Khamenei_fa) May 20, 2024
In honour of President Raisi and his companions, Ayatollah Khamenei announced five days of public mourning and invoked Article 131 of the Constitution, which mandates First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber to manage the executive branch and initiate the process of electing a new president within a maximum period of fifty days.
Also Read: Iran declares national mourning after Raisi's death in helicopter crash
In closing, Ayatollah Khamenei offered his sincere condolences to President Raisi's family, expressing hope for their patience and solace during this difficult time. The nation of Iran mourns the loss of a dedicated leader and servant, as preparations begin to honour President Raisi's legacy and select his successor.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended his deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on behalf of the government, and people of Pakistan and himself on the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
The prime minister also announced that Pakistan would observe a day of mourning, and the national flag would fly at half-mast as a mark of respect for Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Iran.
Also Read: World leaders express grief over Iranian President Raisi's death in 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, as reported by the state-run news agency IRNA.
First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has been designated to oversee the country's executive branch and will hold the position for an interim period of 50 days, during which a new presidential election must be conducted. Mokhber has pledged to continue Raisi’s path and ensure the uninterrupted fulfillment of governmental duties.
