Iran has declared five days of mourning in memory of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other Iranian officials who were killed in a helicopter crash.
Most Iranians packed into mosques and squares on Monday to pray for the officials, who died on Sunday when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in poor weather in mountains near the border with Azerbaijan.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate power with a final say on foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme, said First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will take over as interim president, the local media reported.
“I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran,” Khamenei said in a statement. Mokhber, like Raisi, is seen as close to Khamenei.
The bodies of Raisi, 63; Amirabdollahian, 60; and the other officials and staff were being transported to Tabriz, the capital city of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.
According to local media a memorial service is to be held in the city on Tuesday.
Iran’s state television said all government offices and private businesses in the country will be closed on Wednesday to coincide with funerals for victims.
The deceased President will be buried on Thursday, in Mashhad city where he was born.
Leaders from the United State,European Union,Russia,China are among those who have sent condolences to Iran.
Elections to elect new president will take place on June 30 with interested candidates to register from May 30 to June 3.
