Governments extend deepest condolences to Iran amid its tragic loss
8 Min Read
Following news of the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and their companions, Arab and international governments express their sincere sympathies at Iran's loss.
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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi speaks during a commemoration for the late Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Jan. 3, 2024, in Tehran, Iran (AP)
The Islamic Republic of Iran's people and government have received a flood of condolences and messages of solace following news of the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and their companions, following the crash of their helicopter in northwestern Iran amid their return from a diplomatic visit.
Arab Condolences
Yemen
In the MENA region, the Sanaa government's spokesperson, Dhaifallah al-Shami, extended Sanaa's condolences to Iran's leadership, government, and people, and the oppressed of the earth, on the occasion of this great ordeal.
The Former President of the Supreme Political Council of Yemen Mohammed Ali al-Houthi echoed his sympathies and affirmed that Iran will continue birthing leaders who are loyal to the masses.
Mahdi al-Mashat, the current president of the Supreme Political Council of Yemen, also expressed his sympathies and condolences to Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei.
In a statement, al-Mashat stressed that President Raisi "was an example of the brave Muslim leader, who is loyal to the national causes and keen to achieve their objectives and aspirations. He sought to unite the nation and its stances while bridging the gaps in between them."
He further highlighted the valiant, firm, and clear stances of President Raisi, particularly in his support for the Palestinian people and their just cause. He also said that the departed president proudly represented his people in international and regional forums, and firmly opposed the arrogance of the United States and "Israel".
He concluded his statement by expressing the magnitude of his loss among the Islamic nations.
Algeria
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune extended his sympathies to Iran and expressed his regrets about losing in President Raisi, not just a leader, but a brother and partner bound to him by brotherly cooperation and championing national causes.
Iraq
Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also sent his condolences to Supreme Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei and expressed solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran and their government, amid such a tragic incident.
United Arab Emirates
The President of the United Arab Emirates extended its deepest condolences to Iran's people and government, emphasizing its solidarity with the nation during such difficult times.
Qatar
Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Qatari Prince, expressed on X his sincerest condolences to the Iranian Islamic Republic.
صادق التعازي للجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية حكومةً وشعباً في وفاة الرئيس إبراهيم رئيسي ووزير الخارجية حسين أمير عبداللهيان والمسؤولين المرافقين في حادث المروحية الأليم، سائلين الله تعالى لهم الرحمة والمغفرة ولذويهم جميل الصبر والسلوان. إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون.
— تميم بن حمد (@TamimBinHamad) May 20, 2024
Egypt
Egypt's presidency also issued a statement, mourning in sorrow and sadness, the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, alongside their companions.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi voiced his deepest sympathies to the brotherly people of Iran, wishing God's mercy on the souls of the departed, and wishing solace and patience to their families. He further extended his solidarity with the people and government of Iran.
Syria
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sent his heartfelt condolences to Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei, the people of Iran, and its government. "We worked with the late president to preserve the prosperity of relations tying Syria and Iran together," he said in a statement.
Lebanon
Furthermore, in a show of respect and solidarity with Iran, Lebanon announced a three-day nationwide mourning period.
Jordan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia
Jordan's King Abdullah II and the Tunisian Presidency sent their countries' condolences and solidarity to its brothers in Iran amid these difficult circumstances.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman both extended condolences to the Iranian Republic.
International
Venezuela
Internationally, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro voiced his condolences in a heartfelt message to the Iranian Republic, expressing his sorrow at the loss of President Raisi. "We lost an exemplary figure and a unique leader," he said.
In his statement, Maduro added, "Just as he was our brother, President Raisi will always be an exemplary human being, a defender of his people's sovereignty, and an unconditional friend to our country."
He sent Iran the Bolivarian Rebuplic's warmest embrace, alongside affirmations of Iran's undying dignity, ethics, and resistance.
Pakistan
On his part, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to X to extend his condolences and sympathies to Iran, on behalf of the Pakistani government and people.
He further stressed that both President Raisi and Minister Amir-Abdollahian were good friends of Pakistan, adding that Pakistan will hold a day of mourning and wave the Iranian flag at half mast, as a show of respect to the martyrs, and solidarity with the Islamic Republic.
Had been anxiously following developments regarding the reported crash landing of President Raisi's helicopter. Was hoping for good news. Alas, this was not to be. I along with the government and people of Pakistan extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 20, 2024
Belarus
The Belarusian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, saying the loss of President Raisi and his companions was not only a loss for the Iranian people but for Belarus as well. "Belarus's true friends have passed away," the statement read.
European Union
Moreover, the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, sent his deepest condolences on behalf of the European Union.
France
The French Foreign Ministry extended its condolences to Iran for the loss of its President and his companions.
Tajikistan
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon also sent his deepest condolences.
Russia
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said "[Moscow] is deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Raisi and the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry in a helicopter crash," in a statement, adding that Russia "sincerely condoles with the families and friends of the victims, as well as all the friendly people of Iran."
Russia will always remember "these outstanding political figures as true patriots of the Islamic Republic, who firmly defended the interests of their state and gave their lives to selfless service to the motherland," the statement further read.
Lavrov described President Raisi and Minister Amir-Abdollahian as "true, reliable friends" of Russia, stressing the vitality of the role they played in strengthening Iranian-Russian relations and cooperation.
The Russian Embassy in Tehran also released a statement expressing its great sadness at the news of the passing of the Iranian leaders, adding that Russia, by the orders of President Vladimir Putin, rushed to help by sending rescuers from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations.
After consoling the families and friends of the departed, as well as the Iranian people and government, the embassy wished "patience and fortitude [to Iran] in overcoming this most serious tragedy." It further noted that it will lower the flag of the Russian diplomatic mission as a sign of solidarity with the Islamic Republic.
In a message of sympathy on Telegram, President Putin addressed Sayyed Ali Khamenei to express his condolences, attributing the development of relations between Russia and Iran to the "outstanding President, who dedicated his life to serving his country."
"As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good neighborly relations between our countries and made great efforts to bring them to the level of strategic partnership."
Turkey
The Turkish Foreign Minister extended his condolences and affirmed that Turkey was in coordination with the Iranian authorities following the accident. At the same time, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed remembrance to his "brother [President Raisi] with all appreciation and respect."
India
Additionally, India sent Iran its deepest condolences, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising President Raisi's contribution to the strengthening of bilateral relations, in a statement on X.
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.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2024
China
Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, relayed President Xi Jinping's message of condolence to Iran. The president stated that Raisi's passing was a "great loss to the Iranian people", and also to China, which considered him a good friend to the nation.
"The Chinese government and people highly value the traditional friendship between China and Iran, and believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Iran will continue to strengthen and develop," said Wang.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jehur Baymarov also extended his condolences in a post on X.
I am deeply shocked by the news of the death of the President of Iran, the Foreign Minister, my dear friend Hossein Amir Abdullahian & other officials.
— Jeyhun Bayramov (@Bayramov_Jeyhun) May 20, 2024
I express deepest condolences to the brotherly nation of Iran, families and friends of those who died in this tragic accident.
