Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei extended his condolences to the people of Iran over the "martyrdom-like" passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and their companions who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

"With deep sorrow and regret, I have received the bitter news of the martyrdom of the people’s President, the competent, hard-working Haj Sayyed Ebrahim Raisi, and his esteemed entourage," Sayyed Khamenei said addressing the nation as posted on his X account.

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The leader of the Islamic revolution added that the Iranian nation lost a "sincere, devoted, and valuable servant."

"During the entire period that this great, self-sacrificing man held various responsibilities, both during his presidency and before that, he was fully dedicated to serving the people and Islam nonstop," adding that "our honorable Raisi worked tirelessly."

"For him, the well-being & satisfaction of the people, which was a sign of God’s satisfaction, took precedence over everything else, & the hurt he suffered due to the ingratitude & taunts of some ill-wishers didn’t deter him from his continuous efforts for progress & improvement."

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Five days of national mourning

He continued, "Prominent figures such as the Tabriz Friday Prayer Leader, Hujjat al-Islam Ale-Hashem; the diligent, active Foreign Minister, Mr. Amir-Abdollahian; and other individuals who were accompanying them also passed away in this bitter tragedy."

The Iranian leader also announced five days of national mourning, adding that the tragic incident happened when Raeisi and his team were making an attempt to serve the Iranian people.

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As per Article 131 of the Iranian Constitution, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber was assigned to manage the executive branch. The acting president, along with the heads of the legislative and judicial branches, are required to arrange for the election of a new president within a maximum of 50 days.

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.

This announcement came 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.