Iran in mourning: Global leaders express condolences for Raisi's passing
Hamas and Hezbollah mourn the death of the Iranian president, reports AFP News. Hamas praised his "support for the Palestinian resistance movement," and Hezbollah called Ebrahim Raisi "a protector of resistance movements." Condolences were also extended by, among others, the leader of the Yemeni Houthi rebels.
10:36 AM EDT, May 20, 2024
After the death of Ebrahim Raisi, condolences have been pouring into Iran, with additional comments and entries from world leaders on social media.
Supported by authorities in Tehran, Hamas extended its deepest condolences to the Iranian nation, expressing confidence in Iran's deeply rooted institutions.
In a statement, Hamas claimed that Raisi and Abdollahijan "supported the legitimate struggle" against Israel and "made tireless efforts in solidarity and support in all forums and fields for our people in the steadfast Gaza Strip," Reuters reported.
The Shiite Lebanese group Hezbollah conveyed condolences to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, praising the late President Raisi as a staunch defender of anti-Israeli formations in the region. AFP reported that Hezbollah had long-standing close ties with Raisi.
The leader of the Yemeni Houthi rebels, Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, expressed confidence that the Iranian nation will remain loyal to its leaders. Iran has supported and financed the Shiite Houthi movement against the Sunni authorities in Yemen, who, since last year, have been shelling merchant ships sailing through the Red Sea. The attacks are claimed to be in solidarity with Hamas, which is fighting Israel.
The death of Raisi. mourning in Pakistan
After the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and the foreign minister, condolences were sent to Tehran by the leaders of India, Pakistan, Qatar, and Iraq.
In Pakistan, a one-day mourning period was declared. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a Monday post on platform X, extended his deepest condolences to the "brotherly Iran," adding that "the great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with their usual courage."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also stated on platform X that he is "deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise" of the Iranian president. Modi added that Raisi's contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between India and Iran will not be forgotten and assured that "India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow."
Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani, expressed his solidarity with the brotherly nation of Iran and the officials of the Islamic Republic during this painful tragedy.
Qatar's emir also conveyed condolences to the government in Tehran.
Helicopter crash in Iran
The helicopter had a "hard landing" on its way from the border with Azerbaijan. The last communication with the machine was recorded near a copper mine in northwestern Iran.
The presidential helicopter hit a mountainside and completely burned.
In addition to Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahijan, Governor of East Azerbaijan Malik Rahmati, and the imam from Tabriz Mohammad Ali Al-Hashem were on board the helicopter.
