Iranians mourn death of President Raisi and others in helicopter crash

Updated : May 21, 2024 09:47
|
AP

Iranians gathered in the streets of various cities on Monday to express their grief over the death of the Iranian President and a number of his companions.

Mourners marched in the streets in Tabriz, Mashhad, Lorestan and Kermanshah, as well as many other major cities across Iran to mourn the loss of their leader.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country’s foreign minister have been found dead hours after their helicopter crashed in fog. That leaves the Islamic Republic without two key leaders as extraordinary tensions grip the wider Middle East.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quickly named a little-known vice president as caretaker Monday. The supreme leader has the final say in the Shiite theocracy.

He insisted the government was in control, but the deaths mark yet another blow to a country beset by pressures both at home and abroad.

Iran has offered no cause for the crash nor suggested sabotage brought down the helicopter. It fell in mountainous terrain in a sudden, intense fog.

Also read | Ebrahim Raisi's death sparks celebrations amidst five-day grief

Ebrahim Raisi

Recommended For You

editorji | World

Starmer resigns as UK PM, Burnham favourite to take over

editorji | World

G7 summit: PM Modi holds brief conversation with US President Trump

editorji | World

Trump arrives at G7 summit looking for momentum after announcing a deal to end Iran war

editorji | World

India, Slovakia upgrade ties to comprehensive partnership; ink 11 pacts

editorji | World

All 22 crew members evacuated after third vessel with Indians on board was attacked off Oman