TEHRAN - In the aftermath of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi and his delegation, Interim President Mohammad Mokhber has convened a meeting with the heads of the legislative and judicial branches of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Hosted by Mokhber on Monday, the meeting was attended by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Iranian Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i. The three officials emphasized the importance of continued coordination and cooperation among the three branches of government in addressing the nation's challenges.

Mokhber was the vice president before getting appointed by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamanei as the caretaker President on Monday.

According to Article 131 of the Iranian Constitution, in the event of the President's death, dismissal, resignation, absence, or prolonged illness, the Vice President assumes the powers and functions of the President with the approval of the Leader. 

The helicopter carrying President Raisi and his accompanying delegation crashed on Sunday in the mountainous terrain of Dizmar forest in East Azerbaijan province. Harsh weather conditions and heavy fog hampered search and rescue efforts overnight, but the wreckage was eventually located on Monday morning.

In addition to President Raisi, the crash claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and several other high-ranking officials. The nation is in mourning, and the government has declared a period of national mourning.