According to Arab media sources, the bodies of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other deceased leaders are currently being transported to Tabriz. Upon their arrival, post-mortem examinations will be conducted to determine the cause of their deaths.
After the post-mortem procedures, the bodies are expected to be moved to Tehran. Here, official leaders will pay their respects and offer condolences to the families of the deceased. The official burial ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, with President Raisi likely to be interred in Mashhad, a significant religious hub for Shia Muslims.
These arrangements follow a tragic helicopter crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, which claimed the lives of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and other prominent officials. The nation mourns the loss of these esteemed leaders as preparations are made to honor their memory.
The crash occurred in steep terrain and freezing conditions, according to multiple Iranian news agencies. Search teams discovered the charred wreckage of the helicopter. A senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that President Raisi, the foreign minister, and all other passengers aboard the helicopter were killed.
Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that “All passengers of the helicopter carrying the Iranian president and foreign minister were martyred,” after their deaths were confirmed. The helicopter carrying Raisi and Abdollahian was completely burned in the crash on Sunday. Although the cause of the crash has not been officially determined, State TV reported that the aircraft collided with a mountain peak.
First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has been designated to oversee the country’s executive branch for an interim period of 50 days, during which a new presidential election must be conducted. Mokhber has pledged to continue Raisi’s path and ensure the continuity of governmental duties.
Additionally, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan would observe a day of mourning, with the national flag flying at half-mast, as a mark of respect for Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Iran.