Global leaders were shocked and saddened on Monday by the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian and other senior Iranian officials in a helicopter crash.
Due to the bad weather, the helicopter carrying Raisi and other senior officials was forced into a hard landing in the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan on Sunday.
In an online statement, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the government and the people of Iran
In an online statement, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the government and the people of Iran.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of President Raisi and his entourage," Wickremesinghe said.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani extended his condolences to the Iranian nation and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
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“We express our solidarity with the brotherly Iranian people and the officials of the Islamic Republic during this painful tragedy," he said.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the national flag will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect for Raisi and his companions.
"I along with the government and people of Pakistan extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on this terrible loss,” he said.
“May the martyred souls rest in heavenly peace. The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage," he added.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply saddened and shocked by Raisi’s death, adding that the late president’s contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow," he said.
Regional countries including Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia earlier voiced concern over the incident and readiness to assist in search and rescue efforts.
US President Joe Biden reportedly suspended his vacation and rushed back to the White House for an urgent briefing following the incident involving the Iranian president's helicopter
"We were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran ... As a neighbor, friend, and brotherly country, the Republic of Azerbaijan stands ready to offer any assistance needed," said Azeri President Ilham Aliyev on X.
READ MORE: Iran president chopper: China 'deeply concerned' about hard landing
International organizations and other countries also expressed concern over the incident and readiness to provide help.
"The Secretary-General is following reports of an incident with Iranian President Raisi's aircraft with concern. He hopes for the safety of the president and his entourage," said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The European commissioner for crisis management, Janez Lenarcic, said the commission had activated its satellite mapping service to aid search efforts, following a request for assistance from Iran.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia will extend all necessary assistance to Iran in the search operation, Russia's Tass news report.
Putin's message was conveyed by the Iranian Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, who was summoned to a meeting with the Russian leader.
US President Joe Biden reportedly suspended his vacation and rushed back to the White House for an urgent briefing following the incident involving the Iranian president's helicopter.
