In a somber turn of events, Iran is mourning the loss of its President, Ebrahim Raisi, and Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdullahian, along with other officials, following a helicopter crash in the country’s East Azerbaijan province.

The Amir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, extended his deepest sympathies to the people and government of Iran. In a heartfelt message, he conveyed his condolences, praying for mercy and solace for the families of the deceased.

HH the Amir wrote on his social media account, in Arabic, that roughly translates to, "Sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian, and the accompanying officials in the painful helicopter accident, asking God Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for them and for their families with patience and solace. Indeed we belong to Allah and indeed to Him we shall return."

The helicopter, which was carrying the Iranian leaders and their companions, encountered severe weather conditions leading to a hard landing while en route from Khoda Afarin county to Tabriz. The incident was confirmed by Iran’s news agency, IRNA.

State media in Iran reported the tragic news on Monday, stating that the helicopter had been missing since Sunday afternoon. Rescue operations were immediately launched, and the helicopter was found early Monday. State television and Mehr news agency announced the passing of President Raisi, referring to him as a martyr who served the nation.

The Iranian government has yet to officially confirm the deaths, but tributes and condolences have begun to pour in, reflecting the gravity of the loss for Iran and the international community.

Source: The Peninsula

Image: Photo by Handout/Iranian Red Crescent/AFP