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.

It stressed that his passing marks the completion of his path of flawlessly serving the country, offering condolences to the Iranian people and the Leader of the Revolution and Islamic Republic of Iran Sayyed Ali Khamenei over Raisi's loss.

Read more: Ebrahim Raisi, a pillar against Western hegemony

President Ebrahim Raisi, Amir-Abdollahian, officials pronounced dead

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and accompanying officials have passed away in the tragic helicopter crash in Iran's East Azerbaijan Province, according to an official statement by Iranian state media.

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.

Initial footage shows the arrival of rescue teams and the beginning of search operations for the helicopter that was carrying the Iranian president and his accompanying delegation. #Iran pic.twitter.com/PyGvrq1nCa

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 19, 2024

Additionally, countries such as Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Russia participated in the search and rescue efforts in the province.

According to Iranian state media, the President's helicopter crashed against a mountaintop in the Varzaqan region on May 19 while returning from a ceremony to inaugurate a dam on Iran's border with the Azerbaijan Republic. Iranian state TV mentioned that the helicopter was one of three carrying Raisi and his accompanying delegation of senior officials, which also included Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and the Friday Prayer Imam of Tabriz, among other officials.