World leaders have expressed their condolences to the people of Iran following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi and other high-ranking officials in a helicopter crash.
President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and several senior officials were returning from the inauguration ceremony of a dam near Iran’s border with the Republic of Azerbaijan when their helicopter crashed amid heavy fog in the mountainous Varzaqan region of East Azerbaijan province on Sunday afternoon.
Iran’s Vice President Mohsen Mansouri confirmed Raisi’s death in a statement on social media and state television on Monday. The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that East Azerbaijan Province’s Governor Malek Rahmati and Mehdi Mousavi, the head of Raisi’s security team, were also among those on board.
A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched in the foggy mountain area, and the wreckage was located on Monday morning.
In response to the accident, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed his condolences: “Sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the death of President Raisi, FM Amirabdollahian, and the accompanying officials in the painful helicopter accident.”
Iraq’s Prime Minister shared a similar sentiment, expressing profound sadness and sorrow: “We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and to the nation of Iran, its government, and people. We express our solidarity with the brotherly Iranian people and the officials of the Islamic Republic during this painful tragedy.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also conveyed his sympathies, describing Raisi as a reliable friend of Russia: “We sincerely extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims, as well as to the entire friendly people of Iran. Our thoughts and hearts are with you in this sad hour.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and sadness, highlighting Raisi’s contributions to strengthening India-Iran relations: “His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow.”
United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Abu Dhabi’s ruler Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also offered their deepest condolences: “We pray that God grants them eternal rest and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families. The UAE stands in solidarity with Iran at this difficult time,” he said in a statement on X.
UAE’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reaffirmed the Gulf country’s support for Tehran and expressed sincere sympathy with the Iranian people.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a day of mourning to honor the deaths of President Raisi and other Iranian officials: “Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Brotherly Iran,” he stated on X. “I, along with the government and people of Pakistan, extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on this terrible loss,” he added.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, while addressing a joint news conference with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, conveyed condolences over the loss: “From the first moment we heard of the accident, we have been in contact with the Iranian authorities and mobilized all means to assist in rescue efforts. Relevant institutions including our Defence Ministry and AFAD disaster authority did their best but unfortunately, we weren’t able to hear good news.”
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