TEHRAN, May 20 (MNA) – All the passengers of the helicopter carrying the Iranian president and foreign minister were martyred.

A helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian crashed in a dense forest area in East Azarbaijan on Sunday.

On Monday morning, it was announced that all the passengers of the crashed helicopter were martyred.

The helicopter's passengers, including Ebrahim Raeisi, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran's East Azarbaijan Province Governor Malek Rahmati, and Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the representative of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution to East Azarbaijan Province, along with several other people were martyred in the incident.

Sultan of Oman condoles martyrdom of president Raeisi

The Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq expressed his condolences in a message to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution over the martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his accompanying delegation.

Erdogan condoles martyrdom of Iranian counterpart

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences on the martyrdom of the President of Iran and the Foreign Minister of Iran.

In his condolence message, he emphasized that Turkey stands by its neighbor in this difficult and tragic situation.

Erdogan added, "I remember my brother Ebrahim Raeisi with respect," emphasizing that Turkey stands by the friendly and neighboring country, Iran

Barzani condoles martyrdom of Raeisi, Amir-Abdollahian

The head of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Nechirvan Barzani offered condolences over the martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Expressing his deepest condolences to the government and people of Iran, Barzani announced that Raeisi and Amir-Abdollahian's death deeply saddened him.

Sri Lanka deeply shocked by tragic death of President Raeisi

Sri Lanka is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raeisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian and other senior Iranian officials, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in a message on X.

“I express my 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,” the Srilankan president said.

Malaysia PM deeply saddened by Raeisi's martyrdom

Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, says Raeisi's martyrdom deeply saddened him.

Prime Minister of Malaysia wrote on his X account, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and several other officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran".

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of Iran during this profoundly difficult time. May Allah bless their souls and place them among the Righteous," the message said.

Uzbek FM expresses his condolences over Raeisi martyrdom

Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov expressed his condolences over the martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash.

"We are very saddened to learn about the fatal helicopter crash carrying the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raeisi, my dear brother, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials of the Iranian government, " Bakhtiyor Saidov wrote on his X account.

"On behalf of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry, we express our deepest condolences to the close ones of victims and all the people of Iran," the message stated.

Syria declares mourning for three day-period

Following the tragic martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, the Syrian government declared official general mourning for a three-day period.

The Syrian Arab Republic shares the friendly Iranian people's grief over the great loss of the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, a Foreign Minister, and their companions' painful accident while performing their work duty, the Syrian government declares official general mourning for three days.

The flags will be flown at half-mast across the Syrian Arab Republic and in all embassies and diplomatic missions abroad throughout this period.

IAEA's Grossi expresses condolences for Raeisi martyrdom

The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condoled the martyrdom of Iran's President and his accompanying delegation.

Speaking at the opening of the International Conference on Nuclear Security on Monday, Rafael Grossi offered his condolences over the tragic death of the Iranian President, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other members of the Iranian delegation.

He added, "Our thoughts are with their families and the people of Iran during this difficult time".

Three-day mourning period declared in Lebanon

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati declared three days of national mourning on Monday, following the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and the Foreign Minister in a helicopter crash.

A circular signed by Mikati explained that on this occasion flags will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings in the country, and that “the usual radio and television programs will be modified in connection with the event.”

Saudi King condoles martyrdom of Iranian president

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz offered condolences over the martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi on Monday.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud offered condolences over the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and his accompanying delegation.

Iran VP to take over as interim President

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Guardian Council spokesman said that according to the Constitution, the vice president will take over as interim president with the Leader’s approval.

Tahan Nazif in an interview on Monday said that with the Supreme Leader’s approval, a council consisting of the Iranian judiciary chief, parliament speaker, and vice president will take measures to hold elections within 50 days.

South African president deeply saddened by Raeisi's martyrdom

 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says he's deeply saddened by the martyrdom of his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raeisi.

"This is an extraordinary, unthinkable tragedy that has claimed a remarkable leader of a nation with whom South Africa enjoys strong bilateral relations," South African president Cyrill Ramaphosa stated, Sputnik reported.

China's Xi says Iran President's death 'great loss'

China's President Xi Jinping on Monday paid tribute to Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, describing his "tragic death" in a helicopter crash as "a great loss to the Iranian people".

Xi sent "sincere condolences" to the Iran's first vice president, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press briefing.

"(Raeisi's) tragic death is a great loss to the Iranian people, and the Chinese people have lost a good friend," Wang quoted Xi as saying.

China is a close partner of Iran, its largest trade partner, and a top buyer of its sanctioned oil.

According to Wang, Xi said that "President Raeisi has made important contributions to maintaining Iran's security and stability, promoting national development and prosperity, and also made active efforts to consolidate and develop the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership".

China would offer "all necessary support and assistance" and "continue to support the Iranian government and people in safeguarding their independence, stability and development", he said.

Wang said China had also expressed "deep sorrow" at the death of Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who was also on the helicopter.

Assad expresses sympathy for pres. Raeisi painful martyrdom

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad offered his heartfelt condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei over the tragic martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and his companions.

President Bashar al-Assad offered his heartfelt condolences, in his name and in the name of the Syrian Arab people, to Ayatollah Imam Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Iranian Islamic Revolution, and to the friendly Iranian government and people on the demise of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and their companions, SANA reported.

In his message, President Al-Assad affirmed Syria’s solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and with families of the late deceased and his comrades, expressing deep regret and condolences for this painful incident and the great loss resulted from it.

“President Raisi’s dedication to his career and performance of his responsibilities brought him to East Azarbaijan Province to inaugurate a vital project for his country, making him a martyr for the sake of duty,” President al-Assad said in the cable.

The President added “We worked with the late President to ensure that the strategic relations between Syria and Iran remains always prosperous, and we will always remember his visit to Syria as an important milestone in this path, and all the visions and ideas that he presented to enrich relations with everything that benefits the Syrian and Iranian peoples.”

Bagheri Kani appointed as caretaker of Iran's foreign ministry

Former Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani was appointed as caretaker of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Following the martyrdom of Iran's Foreign Minister on Sunday, the senior Iranian diplomat was appointed for this role, Spokesman of Iran's Government Ali Bahadori Jahromi said on Monday.

Leader declares 5 days of mourning over Raeisi's martyrdom

Following the tragic martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei declared a 5-day morning in Iran.

Raeisi contribution to extend bilateral ties to be remembered: Indian PM

Reacting to the martyrdom of Iranian President, Ebrahim Raeisi, the Indian Prime Minister announced that his contribution to strengthening the relations between the two countries will always be remembered.

Regarding the martyrdom of the Iranian president, the Indian Prime Minister wrote on his X account, "Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran".

" His contribution to strengthening the India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered," Modi noted.

Raeisi devoted his life to serving his motherland: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to Iran over the martyrdom of Iranian President Raeisi, saying that he devoted his life to serving his motherland.

"Seyed Ebrahim Raisi was an outstanding politician whose whole life was devoted to serving the Motherland."

"He rightfully enjoyed the high respect of his compatriots and considerable prestige abroad."

"As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good-neighborly relations between our countries, and made great efforts to bring them to the level of strategic partnership," Putin said.

Leader condoles martyrdom of President Raeisi, companions

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei issued a message on the martyrdom of the Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash.

Azerbaijan president offers condolences to Leader

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in a message to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed his condolences on the martyrdom of the Iranian President in the deadly copter crash.

"We were impressed upon the heartbreaking news of the death of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raeisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other companions in the helicopter accident," Ilham Aliyev stated in a message in address to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

"Iranian people lost President Ebrahim Raeisi, an outstanding statesman who served his country with dedication and loyalty all his life," the message stated, noting that his memory will always be alive in our hearts.

"I ask God Almighty for patience and tolerance for the friendly and brotherly nation of Iran on this tragic day," the message said.

Ilham Aliyev also offered his condolences to all the survivors.

Raiesi, Amir-Abdollahian sacrificed their lives for Iran: Lavrov

Issuing a message, Russia’s Foreign Minister said that the Russian Federation expresses its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the helicopter accident and all the friendly people of Iran.

"We will always remember these prominent political figures as truly nationalist individuals who resolutely defended the interests of their country and sacrificed their lives in the service of their country," Lavrov said.

"Iran's president and foreign minister have always been known as true friends in Russia, and their role in strengthening cooperation and mutual trust between Russia and Iran was valuable," he added.

UAE president expresses solidarity with Iran

Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered condolences over the martyrdom of the Iranian president and foreign minister, stressing his country's solidarity with Iran.

"I extend my deepest condolences to the Iranian government and people over the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and those accompanying them following a tragic accident," he wrote in a post on X.

"We pray that God grants them eternal rest and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families."

"The UAE stands in solidarity with Iran at this difficult time."

Emir of Qatar condoles martyrdom of Iranian President, FM

Issuing a message, the Emir of Qatar offered condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the death of the Iranian President and the Iranian Foreign Minister in the copter crash incident.

"I offer my condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the death of President Ebrahim Raeisi and the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and the accompanying officials in the painful incident of the helicopter crash," Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar wrote.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansar expressed his deep concern over the incident and prayed for the wellbeing of the Iranian president and his accompanying delegation.

He also announced the readiness of the Qatari government to assist in search and rescue operations.

Armenia FM condoles tragic death of Iranian top diplomat

The Armenian Foreign Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the Iranian government and Foreign Ministry over the crash of the copter carrying President Raeisi and the Iranian top diplomat Amir-Abdollahian.

"As we learn the devastating news from #Iran, including the tragic loss of life of my dear colleague & friend @Amirabdolahian, I send my deepest condolences to government, @IRIMFA_EN colleagues & the friendly people of Iran. Sharing the sorrow, we wish strength in this dark time," Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia wrote on his X account on Monday.

Cabinet issues statement after martyrdom of Iranian President

The cabinet issued a statement after the meeting, offering condolences on the martyrdom of the president and his companions in the helicopter crash.

The ministers paid tribute to the late president for his tireless efforts in his post, saying President Raeisi devoted his life to the Iranian nation.

The ministers emphasized that they will vigorously keep to the path of President Raeisi to serve the country, assuring the Iranian people that there will be no disruption to the administrative affairs.

Pakistan to observe day of mourning over Raeisi martyrdom

Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for President Raeisi and his companions and in solidarity with Brotherly Iran, the Pakistani Prime Minister said.

"Pakistan had the pleasure of hosting President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on a historic visit, less than a month ago. They were good friends of Pakistan. Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Brotherly Iran,"  Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan wrote on his X account.

"Had been anxiously following developments regarding the reported crash landing of President Raisi's helicopter. Was hoping for good news. Alas, this was not to be. I along with the government and people of Pakistan extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on this terrible loss. May the martyred souls rest in heavenly peace. The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage," Sharif added.

Hakim extends condolences to Iran over Pres. Raeisi martyrdom

Seyyed Ammar Hakim, the leader of Iraq's national wisdom condoled the martyrdom of Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi and his companions in copter crash in northwestern Iran.

"We received the news of the martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a prominent Islamic political figure, as well as a number of his companions due to the crash of the helicopter carrying them in the northwest of Iran," Ammar Hakim wrote in his message.

"We offer our sincere condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and we sympathize with the nation and government of Iran, and we offer our condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased," Hakim added.

Iraqi PM offers condolences over Raeisi martyrdom

The Iraqi Prime Minister offered his condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the government, and the Iranian people over the martyrdom of Iran's president Ebrahim Raeisi.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani offered his condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Iranian governmental nation over the martyrdom of Iran's president Ebrahim Raeisi during the helicopter crash that occurred on Sunday.

He also expressed his support to the friendly and brotherly nation of Iran and other officials of the country following this painful tragedy.

Maduro reacts to martyrdom of President Raeisi

In his remarks on Monday, Maduro said that he was shocked by the tragic news about the loss of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

He said that he was very sorry to say goodbye to an outstanding person and a great human being, a defender of the sovereignty of the Iranian people and an unconditional friend of his country.

Iran govt. holds emergency meeting after Raeisi martyrdom

The Iranian government has held an emergency meeting following the news that the wreckage of a helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raeisi was found in a remote region in Iran’s northwest.

Vice President Mohammad Mokhber led the emergency meeting of the Iranian cabinet Monday morning.

Location of helicopter carrying President Raeisi spotted

After hours of search operations, Head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) Pirhossein Kolivand said that the location of the crashed helicopter carrying President Raeisi was spotted.

There was no sign of surviving passengers, he added.

Red Crescent search and rescue teams have reached the crash site of the helicopter carrying the president Raeisi, Kolivand said on Monday morning.

73 rescue teams are present in the search area equipped with advanced and specialized equipment.

The search operation has continued since yesterday evening despite the difficult weather conditions.

MP/