TEHRAN - Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has extended his deepest condolences to the Iranian nation following the tragic martyrdom of President Ebrahim Raisi and his esteemed companions in a helicopter crash.

In a heartfelt message on Monday, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed profound sorrow at the untimely demise of the beloved President and his dedicated team members. He lauded President Raisi's exceptional qualities as a leader who tirelessly dedicated his life to serving the Iranian people, his country, and Islam.

The Leader emphasized that President Raisi's entire tenure, both as President and in previous capacities, was characterized by an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the nation. "He was a selfless man who knew no fatigue," remarked Ayatollah Khamenei.

Following is the full text of the Leader’s message:

 In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Surely, we belong to God and to Him we shall return

With deep sorrow and regret, I have received the bitter news of the martyrdom-like demise of the mujahid scholar, the people's President, the competent, hard-working servant of Imam Reza (pbuh), Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen, Haj Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi and his esteemed entourage (may God be pleased with them). This bitter tragedy took place while he was serving the people. The entire period that this great, self-sacrificing person held various responsibilities, both during his brief presidency and before that, he was totally dedicated to serving the people, the country, and Islam nonstop.

Our honorable Raisi worked tirelessly. In this bitter tragedy, the Iranian nation lost a devoted, sincere, valuable individual who served their country. For him, the well-being and satisfaction of the people, which he considered to be a reflection of divine approval, took precedence over everything else. Therefore, the hurt he suffered due to the ingratitude and taunts of some ill-wishers did not deter him from his round-the-clock efforts for progress and to improve matters.

In this tragic event, prominent figures such as Hujjat al-Islam Ale-Hashem, the beloved, respected Friday Prayer Leader of Tabriz, Mr. Amir- Abdollahian, the mujahid, active Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Malek Rahmati, the revolutionary, religious governor of East Azerbaijan, the flight crew, and other associates who were accompanying him have also passed away. I hereby declare five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear Iranian nation.

According to Article 131 of the [Iranian] Constitution, Mr. Mokhber will assume the position of head of the Executive Branch and is obliged to cooperate with the heads of the Legislative and Judicial Branches in facilitating the election of a new president within a period that is not to exceed 50 days. Finally, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the honorable mother of Mr. Raisi, his virtuous, noble wife, the other bereaved family members of the President, and the honorable families of his entourage, in particular the honorable father of Mr. Ale-Hashem. I pray for their patience and solace, and pray for God’s mercy for the departed souls.

Sayyid Ali Khamenei
May 20, 2024