Message of Condolence Following the Martyr-like Death of the President and his Entourage.

Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, sends a message of condolence on the occasion of the martyr-like death of Hujjatul Islam Seyed Ibrahim Raisi, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Dr Hosein Amir-Abdullahian, the Foreign Minister; Hujjatul Islam Ale-Hashem, Representative of the Leader in East Azerbaijan; Dr Rahmati, the Governor of East Azerbaijan; and their esteemed entourage in a disastrous air accident.

The text of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution's message of condolence is as follows:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

"Indeed, we are from Allah, and to Him do we Return."

It is with great sorrow and deep regret that I have received the bitter news of the martyr-like passing of the combatant cleric, the popular and competent President, the dedicated servant of Imam Reza (peace be upon him), His Eminence Hujjatul Islam wa al-Muslimeen Hajj Seyed Ibrahim Raisi, and his esteemed entourage. May God's mercy be upon them.

This tragic incident occurred while an act of service was being undertaken. For the entire time he served in this office, during his short presidency and before, this noble and selfless man tirelessly dedicated himself to serving the people, the country, and Islam.

The beloved Raisi did not know the meaning of fatigue. The nation of Iran has lost a sincere, devoted, and valuable servant to this unpleasant incident. He made the people's welfare and satisfaction a priority, and that satisfaction indicates divine satisfaction above everything else. Therefore, his grievances from ingratitude and the criticism of some ill-intentioned individuals did not hinder his relentless efforts for progress and reform day and night.

In this fateful incident, such prominent figures as Hujjatul Islam Ale-Hashem, the beloved and reputable Friday Prayer Leader of Tabriz; Mr. Amir-Abdullahian, the combatant and active Foreign Minister; Mr. Malik Rahmati, the revolutionary and religiously devout Governor of East Azerbaijan; the flight crew, and other members of the entourage all went to meet their Lord.

I hereby declare five days of national mourning and extend my condolences to the dear people of Iran. According to Article 131 of the Constitution, Mr Mukhber will assume the position of managing the executive branch and, with the heads of the legislative and judicial powers, is entrusted with the responsibility for arranging the election of a new president within a maximum of fifty days.

Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Mr Raisi's esteemed mother, his noble and respected wife, and his other surviving family members, as well as the honourable families of his entourage, especially Mr Ale-Hashem's venerable father. I pray for their patience, solace, and divine mercy for the deceased.

Sayyid Ali Khamenei

20/05/2024