TEHRAN – French President Emmanuel Macron has conveyed his condolences to Mohammad Mokhber, the acting President of Iran, in the wake of the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi and his accompanying officials.

In a message addressed to Mokhber, Macron expressed his heartfelt sympathies to both him and the Iranian nation.

Macron's message read:

“With deep sorrow, I extend my condolences to you and the Islamic Republic of Iran following the untimely passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and their companions. My thoughts are also with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.

Throughout my tenure, I have had the privilege of engaging in bilateral discussions with President Raisi and the Foreign Minister, addressing various shared interests and challenges. Despite the complexities we face, I remain steadfast in my commitment to nurturing the relationship between our nations.”

Macron concluded his message by expressing his deepest sympathies to Mokhber over the tragic incident.

The helicopter carrying Raisi and his entourage crashed around afternoon on Sunday as it was on its way to Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan, from a location on the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan where the Iranian president had opened a major dam project.

Rescuers found the wreckage of the helicopter early on Monday after hours of extensive search which involved more than 70 teams.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and two senior provincial officials along with crew members and bodyguards also died as a result of the crash.

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

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