TEHRAN- The Leader of the Islamic Revolution has issued a message of condolence over the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian along with a nubmer of local offficials in a tragic helicopter crash in northwestern Iran. 

The Leader declared five days of national mourning over the high-level loss of lives.

He stated that President Raisi spent his life in non-stop service to his country and Islam.

In his message, Ayatollah Khamenei remarked that President Raisi prioritized the well-being and satisfaction of the people, which equates to the satisfaction of God, above all other considerations.

Ayatollah Khamenei also stated, "With immense grief and sorrow, I received the bitter news of the passing of the diligent scholar, the competent and hardworking popular president, the servant of Imam Reza, Sayyid Ebrahim Raeisi, and his esteemed companions." 

"The entire tenure of Ebrahim Raisi, whether during his short presidency or before that, was spent in tireless service to the people, the country, and Islam," the leader noted.

Ayatollah Khamenei also stated that the Iranian nation lost a sincere, devoted, and valuable servant; the ingratitude and criticism of some ill-wishers did not hinder his continuous efforts for progress and reform.

In the end, the Leader declared five days of national mourning and extended his condolences to the dear people of Iran.