Officials and state media announced on Monday that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, long considered a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash in a mountainous area near the Azerbaijani border.
Arab Reactions
United Arab Emirates
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the leadership and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi.” He affirmed the UAE’s solidarity with Iran during these difficult times.
Qatar
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani conveyed his sincere condolences to the Iranian government and people on X, mourning the loss of President Raisi.
Egypt
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed Egypt’s solidarity with the Iranian leadership and people in this tragic moment, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
Syria
President Bashar al-Assad extended his condolences to Iran’s Supreme Leader on the death of Raisi.
Jordan
King Abdullah II offered his heartfelt condolences in a tweet, expressing sympathy for the Iranian leadership and people over the deaths of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and their companions. He emphasized Jordan’s solidarity with Iran during this challenging period.
Iraq
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani issued a statement expressing support for the Iranian people and leadership following the tragic accident. “With deep sorrow and great sadness, we received the news of the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and their companions in the unfortunate helicopter crash in northern Iran,” he said. He extended condolences to Supreme Leader Khamenei and the Iranian nation.
Palestine
President Mahmoud Abbas offered condolences for the loss of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian in the helicopter crash, expressing solidarity with the Iranian leadership and people.
Gulf Cooperation Council
Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi conveyed his deepest condolences to the Iranian government and people, reaffirming the GCC’s solidarity with Iran in these trying times.
Lebanon
Lebanon declared three days of national mourning for the deaths of the Iranian president and foreign minister. Hezbollah also extended condolences to the Iranian Supreme Leader.
Hamas
The Palestinian movement Hamas mourned the death of President Raisi, praising his steadfast support for the Palestinian cause.
International Reactions
Russia
The Kremlin announced that President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences, praising Raisi’s invaluable contribution to Russian-Iranian relations and recognizing him as an outstanding leader. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also offered condolences, noting the loss of two true friends in Raisi and Amirabdollahian.
Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a national day of mourning in Pakistan in honor of Raisi and his companions. He expressed his deepest sympathies to X, mourning the significant loss for Iran.
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his shock and deep sorrow over the tragic death of President Raisi, recalling his contributions to strengthening India-Iran relations. He expressed heartfelt condolences to Raisi’s family and the Iranian people, stating that India stands with Iran in this sorrowful time.
European Union
The President of the European Council expressed his sincere condolences following the death of President Raisi.
Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offered his condolences on X, describing Raisi as a valuable companion and brother who had made significant efforts for the peace of the Iranian people and the region. He remembered Raisi with respect and gratitude.
As the world responds to this profound loss, the international community stands in solidarity with Iran, recognizing the significant impact of President Raisi’s sudden death on both a national and global scale.