TEHRAN – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his accompanying delegation tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash that occurred in the Dizmar forest in East Azarbaijan Province on Sunday.

The incident unfolded as President Raisi, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and other officials, were returning from Azerbaijan, where they had attended the inauguration of a dam on the Aras River.

According to reports, dense fog in the region contributed to the crash, posing challenges for rescue teams. 

The helicopter went down near the Sungun copper mine, situated between Jolfa and Varzaqan in East Azerbaijan province, approximately 70km to 100km away from Tabriz, the intended destination of the president and foreign minister.

Despite the immediate dispatch of 40 rescue teams to the forested and mountainous area, adverse weather conditions impeded aerial access, forcing ground teams to navigate difficult terrain.

Among those aboard the helicopter were Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, East Azarbaijan Province governor Malek Rahmati, and Tabriz Friday prayer leader Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem.

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, expressed concern about the missing helicopter during a meeting with families of IRGC personnel. Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, mobilized all available resources to locate the helicopter.

In a show of regional solidarity, other countries also expressed their support for Iran following the accident. Nations promptly extended their well-wishes and readiness to assist in any necessary capacity.

Iranians across the country all gathered to offer prayers for President Raisi and his companions on Sunday evening. 

Following an hours-long search hampered by poor weather conditions, rescuers found the burnt-out wreckage of the helicopter and its passengers were confirmed dead.

On the early hours of Monday morning, the Iranian Red Crescent Society confirmed that there were no survivors at the crash site.

In response to the tragedy, the Iranian cabinet issued a statement extending condolences to Ayatollah Khamenei and the Iranian nation. The cabinet reassured the nation that president Raisi's legacy would endure, emphasizing the continuity of governance.

Iran's Leader announced five days of mourning following the tragic incident. Ayatollah Khamenei said he offered his condolences "to the dear people of Iran."

Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber has been appointed to assume interim duties after the death of the president.

Mokhber will work with the heads of Iran's legislature and judiciary to prepare for a presidential election within 50 days - a period of time set out in Iran's constitution for replacing a president who dies in office.

Iran's cabinet has also appointed deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani as acting foreign minister.

In an emergency cabinet meeting, officials pledged to uphold the nation's stability and announced the formation of a committee to oversee funeral arrangements for the late president and his entourage, chaired by Raisi's deputy for executive affairs, Mohsen Mansouri.

Additionally, Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations affirmed Iran's unwavering commitment to its foreign policy objectives under the guidance of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Council asserted that Iran's foreign policy trajectory will persist with vigor and resilience, guided by Ayatollah Khamenei.

Acknowledging the pivotal roles played by president Raisi and his top diplomat in advancing Iran's national interests on the global stage, the Council applauded their proactive engagement in foreign policy arenas. 

Expressing heartfelt condolences to the Iranian people and the families of President Raisi and his companions, the Council mourned the tragic loss incurred amidst adverse weather conditions over rugged terrain in Iran's northwest.

According to the Mehr News Agency, on Monday morning, the bodies of the late officials will be transported from Tabriz main square to the city’s airport, and then flown to Tehran.

It was announced that the funeral prayers for the respected martyrs will be conducted on Thursday by the Leader of Islamic Revolution at Tehran. 

Additionally, the late president will be laid to rest in Mashhad on Friday. The Friday Prayer Leader of Tabriz will also be buried in Tabriz on Friday, while the governor of East Azerbaijan will be laid to rest in Maragheh on the same day.