Sayyid Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has declared five days of mourning for the late President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, as well as Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, after both died in a helicopter crash on Sunday 19 May, 2024.
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| Ebrahim Raisi and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian both died in a helicopter crash on Sunday 19 May, 2024 |
The Iranian Supreme Leader also offered his condolences.
According to Khamenei: “This bitter tragedy took place while he was serving the people. The entire period that this great, self-sacrificing man held various responsibilities, both during his presidency and before that, he was totally dedicated to serving the people and Islam nonstop.
“Our honorable Raisi worked tirelessly.
“For him, the well-being & satisfaction of the people, which was a sign of God’s satisfaction, took precedence over everything else, & the hurt he suffered due to the ingratitude & taunts of some ill-wishers didn’t deter him from his continuous efforts for progress & improvement.
“With deep sorrow and regret, I have received the bitter news of the martyrdom of the people’s President, the competent, hard-working Haj Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi, and his esteemed entourage.
“Prominent figures such as the Tabriz Friday Prayer Leader, Hujjat al-Islam Ale-Hashem; the diligent, active Foreign Minister, Mr. Amir-Abdollahian; and other individuals who were accompanying them also passed away in this bitter tragedy.
“I hereby declare five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear Iranian nation.
“In accordance with Article 131 of the Constitution, Vice-President Mr. Mokhber will be the head of the Executive Branch & is obliged to cooperate with the heads of the Legislative & Judiciary Branches in facilitating the election of a new president within a maximum of 50 days.”
