TEHRAN - The flag of Iran was lowered to half-mast at the national Olympic and Paralympic committees.

This step was taken as a sign of mourning on the occasion of the crash of the helicopter carrying the President of Iran Ibrahim Raisi, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, the Iranian Foreign Minister, and two more officials.

Iran's Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs Kioumars Hashemi sent a condolence message regarding the passing of the President.

“I wish God’s pleasure for the martyrs, peace and patience for the survivors, and solidarity and progress for the Iranian people. May God have mercy on their souls,” the minister said.

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Raisi made a “tough landing” on Sunday during a visit to the country’s northwest, the national TV reported.