Iranian President dies in chopper crash

SRINAGAR — Iranian President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi died in a chopper crash in the country’s Jolfa area.

As per state media reports, the Iranian President, the country’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollhian and other officials — who were in the ill-fated helicopter — have died in the incident.

After the crash of the helicopter, a rescue operation was launched, assisted by the Russian expert rescuers, to retrieve the bodies.

The reports said that no survivors were found at the site of the incident, which occurred yesterday. Following the death of Iran’s President, condolence messages poured in from political leaders across the world.

PM Narendra Modi said in a post, “Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening the 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.”

Meanwhile, Mohammad Mokhber, who was the Vice President of Iran, has been made an interim President following the fatal chopper crash that claimed the life of Ebrahim Raisi and others aboard.

India declares State Mourning for late Iranian President and Foreign Minister

As a mark of respect to Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and His Excellency Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Government of India has declared a one-day State Mourning on May 21, 2024 (Tuesday), throughout the country.

As per the communiqué, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings and places where it is regularly displayed during the State Mourning. There will be no official entertainment on this day, it added.

The decisions have been communicated to all relevant authorities for information and necessary action, it further added.