Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi dies in helicopter crash: World leaders mourn

Turkish President  Recep Tayyip Erdogan posted on X: "I pray that God Almighty has mercy on my dear colleague, my brother, and the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Ibrahim Reisi, who we learned unfortunately passed away in a helicopter crash."

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif posted: " 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."

Indian PM Narendra Modi wrote: " Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran."

In his post on X,  United Arab Emirates President bin Zayed Al Nahyan wrote:   " 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. 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."

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian have died after the helicopter in which they were travelling crashed in a dense forest area in East Azerbaijan on Sunday, local media reports said.

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

Head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) Pirhossein Kolivand earlier in the day said the spot where the helicopter crash has been located.

There was no sign of surviving passengers, he told the news agency.

A total of nine people, including a provincial governor, were on board when the aircraft went down in northern Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, reported Al Jazeera. They all are believed to be dead, it said.