World Leaders Express Condolences to Iran over President's Death

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi waves upon his arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 24 April 2024 (reissued 20 May 2024). EPA/CHAMILA KARUNARATHNE

World leaders on Monday reacted to the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near Azerbaijan border.
Raisi, a hardliner long seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and the country’s foreign minister and others have been found dead at the site of a helicopter crash Monday after an hourslong search through a foggy, mountainous region of the country’s northwest, state media reported. Raisi was 63.
Several world leaders reacted to his death, the following are reactions to the news:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X platform: "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. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow."
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said: "From the first moment we heard of the accident, we have been in contact with the Iranian authorities and mobilized all means to assist (rescue) efforts. Relevant institutions including our Defense Ministry and AFAD disaster authority did their best but unfortunately we weren't able to hear good news," Fidan told a joint news conference on Monday with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences saying Raisi was a "valuable colleague and brother".
"As a colleague who personally witnessed his efforts for the peace of the Iranian people and our region during his time in power, I remember Mr. Raisi with respect and gratitude," Erdogan said on social media platform X, adding Türkiye stood by Iran in this difficult time.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari in a statement also expressed shock and sorrow over Raisi's death. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the Iranian president, the foreign minister and others who died in the accident.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a day of mourning over the death of Raisi.
“I along with the government and people of Pakistan, extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on this terrible loss. May the martyred souls rest in heavenly peace. The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage,” Sharif wrote on the social platform X on Monday.
Sharif recently hosted Raisi and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian when they visited Pakistan and said: “They were good friends of Pakistan."
The Chinese foreign ministry said that President Xi Jinping has expressed condolences over Raisi's death.
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said on X: “The European Union expresses its sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident. Our thoughts go to the families."
Russian foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a statement that Raisi and Abdollahian were known as "true, reliable friends of our country".
"Their role in strengthening mutually beneficial Russian-Iranian cooperation and trusting partnership is invaluable.
"We sincerely extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims, as well as to the entire friendly people of Iran. Our thoughts and hearts are with you in this sad hour."
Japan’s government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi said that Japan expresses its deepest condolences to the government and people of Iran over the death of President Raisi and the foreign minister.