Iran has declared five days of mourning after the death of President Raïssi in a helicopter accident, a period of political uncertainty begins for the country.
A five-day mourning was declared in Iran after the death of President Raïssi in a helicopter accident.
Ebrahim Raïssi was 63 years old, he was elected in 2021 and was considered one of the favorites to succeed Ali Kharmenei.
The 85-year-old supreme leader lamented the loss of a “sincere and precious servant”.
The president’s helicopter disappeared Sunday evening and crashed in a rugged region of Iran near Azerbaijan. The aircraft began its flight when weather conditions were poor.
The head of Iranian diplomacy, Hossein Amir-Abdollahia, is among the victims of the accident.
First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will serve as interim president until a presidential election is held, in principle within fifty days.
According to the president of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, Mayram Rajavi, Raisi’s death is “a monumental strategic blow (…) delivered to the mullahs’ supreme leader.”
The Iranian opponent in exile foresees “a series of repercussions and crises within the theocratic tyranny”.
Iran’s allies expressed their sadness and paid tribute to President Raisi.
Vladimir Poutine speaks of a “remarkable politician” and a “true friend”. THE Hezebollah evokes a “martyr president” and a “protector of resistance movements”. THE Lebanon and Syria announce a three-day mourning. The Houthisin Yemen, regret “a loss for the entire Islamic world” and Hamas pays tribute to “his unwavering efforts on behalf of the Palestinians.” China hails Raisi as Iran’s defender of “stability and security.”