Iranian president dies in helicopter crash: Live updates

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has announced that he has appointed First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as acting president after the death of Ebrahim Raisi. Mokhber will be in the post for 50 days until an election is held.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has expressed his “deepest condolences” to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and other high-ranking officials in a helicopter crash.

The Russian leader described Raisi as “an outstanding politician, whose entire life was devoted to serving the Motherland,” and who was respected both at home and abroad.

The late Iranian president was “a true friend of Russia” who greatly contributed to upgrading ties between Moscow and Tehran to the level of a “strategic partnership,” Putin stated.

Moscow is “deeply saddened” by the news of the “tragic death” of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other Iranian officials in a helicopter crash, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said in a statement.

Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian will be remembered as “true patriots of Iran, who firmly defended the interests of their country and gave their lives in the selfless service to the Motherland,” he stressed.

They were “true, reliable friends” of Russia, who played an “invaluable” role in strengthening ties between Moscow and Tehran, Lavrov added.

“We express our sincerely condolences to the families and friends of the victims, as well as all to the friendly people of Iran. In this hour of sorrow, our thoughts and hearts are with you,” the foreign minister said.

Palestinian armed group Hamas has said it shares the “pain and sorrow” of the Iranian people after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash.

Raisi and the late Iranian government members have a history of “honorable stances” in support of the Palestinian people, including efforts to stop the ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza, a statement by Hamas read.

“We are confident that the Islamic Republic of Iran will overcome the implications of this great loss,” it added.

The Russian Embassy in Tehran has expressed “great sadness” at the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other Iranian officials in a helicopter crash.

"We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims, the entire Iranian people and the government. We wish you patience and mental fortitude in overcoming this most difficult tragedy,” the embassy said in a statement.

As a sign of solidarity with Iran, the Russian flag at the embassy will be flown at half-mast, it added.

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has said he is “shocked” by the death of Ebrahim Raisi, whom he described as “an exemplary person, an extraordinary world leader.” The late Iranian head of state was “an excellent human being, defender of the sovereignty of his people and unconditional friend of our country,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"A heartfelt hug from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. You, Iran, are an example of dignity, morality and resistance,” Maduro said.

Following the death of Ebrahim Raisi, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will perform the duties of the president for 50 days until an election is held, national broadcaster IRIB has reported.

FILE PHOTO: Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber © AFP / Iranian Vice President's Media Office

The Iranian government has said in a statement that it will keep operating “without the slightest disruption” following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

“We assure the loyal nation that the path of service will continue with the tireless spirit of Ayatollah Raisi,” the statement read.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he is “deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise” of Ebrahim Raisi. The contribution of the late Iranian president to strengthening relations between New Delhi and Tehran “will always be remembered,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow,” Modi said.

Iran’s state media confirmed around 8 am local time on Monday that President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several other high-ranking officials have been killed in the crash.