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Global Leaders React to Death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Helicopter Crash

Late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. IMAGE FILE

In Summary:

  1. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi dies in a helicopter crash, sparking global condolences.
  2. Leaders from around the world express their sympathies, highlighting Raisi’s impact on international relations.

World leaders have expressed their deep condolences following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash. The crash, which also claimed the lives of nine other officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, occurred in Iran’s mountainous northwestern region near the Azerbaijan border.

Rescue teams began searching for Raisi and the other passengers on Sunday afternoon after the helicopter went missing. The search operation was complicated by the rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions.

On Monday morning, relief workers located the wreckage of the missing helicopter and identified the bodies of all on board, according to state TV.

The tragic incident has shocked the international community, prompting an outpouring of grief and condolences from world leaders.

Raisi, who was elected as president in 2021, was known for his firm stance on various issues and had played a significant role in shaping Iran’s foreign policy.

Global Reactions:

China:

President Xi Jinping described Raisi’s death as “a great loss to the Iranian people,” adding, “the Chinese people have also lost a good friend.”

He emphasized Raisi’s efforts to strengthen China-Iran relations, noting, “His commitment to fostering a strategic partnership between our countries will be remembered.”

European Union:

President of the European Council, Charles Michel, offered “sincere condolences” for the loss of Raisi, Amirabdollahian, and the other officials.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also expressed his sympathies, stating, “The EU expresses its sympathies to the families of all the victims and to the Iranian citizens affected. This tragic incident underscores the need for continued dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Iran.”

Egypt:

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi expressed his condolences, saying, “The president of the Arab Republic of Egypt prays that the deceased Iranian President and the departed may rest in God Almighty’s mercy, and grant their families patience and solace.” He highlighted Raisi’s contributions to regional stability and cooperation

Hamas:

The Palestinian group conveyed its “deepest condolences and solidarity to Khamenei, the government and the Iranian people,” praising Raisi and Amirabdollahian for their unwavering support of Palestine. “Their commitment to our cause will never be forgotten,” a Hamas spokesperson stated.

Hezbollah:

The Lebanese group honored the deceased officials for “defending the causes of the nation and their service to Iran,” and expressed hope for Iran’s resilience in overcoming this loss. “We are confident that Iran’s deep-rooted institutions will navigate through this difficult period,” Hezbollah said in a statement.

India:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow, stating, “His contribution to strengthening the India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran.” Modi also recalled Raisi’s recent visit to India, where they discussed enhancing economic and cultural ties.

Iraq:

Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani said, “We express our solidarity with the brotherly Iranian people and the officials of the Islamic Republic during this painful tragedy.”

He mentioned Raisi’s role in mediating regional conflicts and promoting peace.

Italy:

Prime Minister Georgia Meloni commented, “I see in these hours that the Iranian authorities are crediting the thesis of the accident and not conspiracy theories. I do not see any changes in the internal order in Iran,” adding that she hopes for future stability in the region. “We are in constant contact with our European and G7 allies,” she said, highlighting the incident’s regional implications.

Japan:

Government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed, “Japan extends its deepest condolences to the government and people of Iran over the death of President Raisi and the foreign minister.” Hayashi also noted Raisi’s efforts in enhancing Japan-Iran diplomatic relations.

Jordan:

King Abdullah stated on social media, “I extend my deepest condolences to the brothers, leadership, government, and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the death of Brother President Ebrahim Raisi.” He highlighted Raisi’s commitment to regional cooperation.

Malaysia:

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted, “His dedication to justice, peace, and the upliftment of the ummah was truly inspiring. Our pledge to bolster Malaysia-Iran relations will be fulfilled.” He recalled Raisi’s visit to Malaysia last year, where they discussed collaborative projects.

Pakistan:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a day of mourning, writing, “May the martyred souls rest in heavenly peace. The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage.” He praised Raisi’s efforts to strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties.

Pope Francis:

The Pope sent a telegram to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating, “I send condolences upon the deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and all who perished in yesterday’s helicopter crash. Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty.”

Sudan:

Sovereign Council head Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan extended his “sincere condolences and sympathy to the friendly Iranian people,” praying for mercy for the deceased.

Qatar:

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed, “Asking God Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for those killed and for their families with patience and solace. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”

Russia:

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called the deceased officials “reliable friends of Russia,” stating, “Their role in strengthening mutually beneficial Russian-Iranian cooperation is invaluable.”

President Vladimir Putin added, “Raisi was an outstanding politician whose entire life was dedicated to serving his homeland. As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good-neighborly relations between our countries.”

Syria:

President Bashar Al-Assad affirmed, “Syria stands in solidarity with Iran and the families of the deceased, recalling Raisi’s efforts to enhance bilateral ties and his significant visit to Syria that strengthened our cooperation.”

Turkey:

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed, “Ankara had been in contact with Iran since hearing about the crash and tried our best but unfortunately, we weren’t able to hear good news.” He emphasized Turkey’s ongoing support for Iran during this difficult time.

Venezuela:

President Nicolas Maduro stated, “Deeply saddened to say goodbye to an exemplary leader like Ebrahim Raisi, who was an excellent human being and a defender of his people’s sovereignty. His legacy will continue to inspire us.”

Yemen’s Houthis:

Mohammed Ali al-Houthi extended his “deepest condolences to the Iranian people and the families of the officials who died in the crash.” He expressed confidence in Iran’s resilience, stating, “Iran will continue adhering to the loyal leaders of their people, by God’s will.”

UAE:

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum wrote, “Our hearts are with you in this difficult time. Our prayers are that God will cover them with His vast mercy and dwell them in His spacious Paradise.”

United States:

The State Department expressed “official condolences,” reaffirming support for the Iranian people. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated, “I can’t speculate on what may have been the cause” of the crash, highlighting the need for thorough investigation.

Kenya:

President William Ruto expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “President Raisi was a fearless leader and a dedicated public servant with a long and distinguished career in public service. He was committed to elevating Iran’s standing on the global stage.”