In a heartfelt message, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed profound sorrow
and paid tribute to the late President Raisi and his companions. He described
President Raisi as a tireless and devoted servant who dedicated his life to the
service of the people, the country, and Islam.
The crash claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian,
Representative of the Supreme Leader in East Azerbaijan Ayatollah Al-Hashem,
East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and their esteemed companions.
"I received the heartbreaking news of the martyrdom-like death of
the diligent and capable President, Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin Seyyed Ebrahim
Raisi, and his esteemed companions with great sorrow," Ayatollah Khamenei
stated.
"This tragic incident occurred in the midst of their service.
President Raisi's tenure, both in his brief presidency and prior roles, was
marked by relentless effort to serve the people and the nation. His unwavering
dedication and the loss of such a sincere and invaluable servant are profoundly
felt by the Iranian nation."
Ayatollah Khamenei also honored the memory of other prominent figures
lost in the crash, including Ayatollah Al-Hashem, the esteemed and beloved Imam
of Tabriz, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, a diligent and active statesman,
and Governor Malek Rahmati, a revolutionary and devout leader. He extended his
heartfelt condolences to their families and the nation.
In accordance with Article 131 of the Constitution, Vice President
Mohammad Mokhber will assume the responsibilities of the executive branch,
collaborating with the heads of the legislative and judicial branches to ensure
the election of a new president within 50 days.
"I extend my deepest condolences to President Raisi's honorable
mother, his esteemed wife, and the families of all those who perished in this
tragedy," Ayatollah Khamenei concluded, praying for their patience and the
divine mercy for the deceased.