The Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran Sayyed Ali Khamenei released a statement mourning the late President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions, and announcing a five-day mourning period across the country. 

Sayyed Khamenei also announced that Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will be Iran's interim president, as per Article 131 of the constitution, calling on him and the heads of the judiciary and legislative authorities to organize the presidential elections, which will be held in 50 days. 

Intermin President Mokhber, in turn, vowed to uphold former President Raisi's political path during an emergency meeting with the heads of the judiciary and legislative authorities. 

The spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry also declared Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani as Iran's acting foreign minister. 

Read more: Ebrahim Raisi, a pillar against Western hegemony

Iran reaffirms continuation of departed President Raisi's path

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and accompanying officials passed away in the tragic helicopter crash in Iran's East Azerbaijan Province.

After locating the helicopter carrying the Iranian President and accompanying officials on the morning of May 20, Iran's Red Crescent Society (IRCS) issued a preliminary statement noting that there was "no sign of life" found near the wreckage locations.

This announcement comes over 16 hours after the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps reported they had lost contact with the helicopter carrying the officials. Since then, at least 73 rapid response and rescue teams from the provinces of East Azarbaijan, Tehran, Alborz, Ardabil, Zanjan, and West Azarbaijan were involved in the search and rescue operations led by the Iranian RCS.

The Iranian government asserted today that departed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi never hesitated to serve the country and follow in the footsteps of its development and prosperity, emphasizing that he was a servant of the people who loved him.