By Jehoshaphat Kanyoro Njaro
The tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and seven others has plunged the nation into mourning.
As the Iranian Red Crescent confirmed the conclusion of a large-scale search and rescue operation and the transportation of the deceased to Tabriz city in Iran’s East Azarbaijan province, preparations are underway for a solemn mourning procession to honor President Raisi and his companions.
President Raisi, a prominent figure in Iranian politics, was returning from a visit to Azerbaijan when the helicopter encountered adverse weather conditions, leading to the fatal crash in the mountains of northwestern Iran.
The 63-year-old president, who had been in office for nearly three years and was poised for re-election next year, leaves behind a significant legacy in Iran’s political landscape.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed his condolences and paid tribute to President Raisi in a post on X, accompanied by a photo of the two leaders.
The sentiment was echoed across the nation, with state broadcasters interspersing Islamic prayers with news broadcasts following the announcement of the tragic incident.
In response to the devastating loss, Iran’s government convened an urgent meeting to address the aftermath of President Raisi’s passing, as reported by the state news agency IRNA.
The absence of President Raisi was palpable, symbolized by his vacant chair draped with a black sash in memory of his presidency.
The forthcoming mourning procession, details of which will be announced by state media FARS News Agency, is expected to be a somber affair as the nation comes together to honor and remember President Raisi and the other officials who perished in the helicopter crash.