TEHRAN - The commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Force has hailed Iran’s ability in managing to maintain order after the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi on May 19, contributing the success to the wise conduct of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. 

“Thanks to the existence of a system based on the guardianship, divine favors, and wise presence of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, no disruption occurred in the work and assigned affairs of the country after this tragic incident,” Brigadier General Kioumars Heidari said during his speech at a military gathering. 

President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and six other officials perished during a helicopter crash in Iran’s mountainous northwestern region. Iran’s Leader appointed Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as the caretaker president a day after the tragic news and called for snap elections. In his meetings with the families of the martyrs, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed great sorrow over the passing of President Raisi and his companions but emphasized that their legacy would persist. “You lost one of the best humans that ever graced the face of the earth. There is, however, no option but to endure this [sadness] for almighty God,” he was filmed saying while talking to the family of the late Raisi after leading the funeral prayer for the martyr. 

Elections are set to take place on June 28.