On Monday, 20/05/2024, Imam Khamenei issued a statement in which he condoled the martyrdom of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, Mr. Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Dr. Amir Abdollahian, Representative of the leader in East Azerbaijan, Hojjat al-Islam wali al-Muslimin, Mr. Al-Hashem, Governor of East Azerbaijan Dr. Rahmati and their companions.
The condolence statement reads as follows:
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
In the name of God and to Him we return
It is with great sadness and sorrow that I received the bitter news of the martyr-like departure of the mujahid scholar, President of the Republic, popular, efficient and diligent servant of Al-Rada (peace be upon him), His Eminence, the Hojjat al-Islam and Muslims, Hajj Mr. Ebrahim Raisi and his esteemed companions (may God's mercy be upon them). This bitter accident occurred in the course of efforts to provide service. The entire period of responsibility of this sacrificial and honorable man, whether the short term of the presidency or the previous one, was spent in continuous and relentless efforts to serve the people, the country, and Islam.
Dear Raisi did not know the meaning of fatigue. In this bitter incident, the people of Iran have lost a true, loyal and valuable servant. The goodness and satisfaction of the people, which mimics the divine satisfaction, was paramount to him, which is why the pain of ingratitude and insults from some malicious people did not hinder his efforts day and night to achieve progress and reform. In this bitter incident, prominent personalities joined the divine mercy: Hojjatoleslam Al Hashim, the beloved and respected Friday Imam of Tabriz, Mr. Amir Abdollahian, the hardworking and energetic Foreign Minister, Mr. Malek Rahmati, the revolutionary and pious governor of East Azerbaijan, the flight crew and other companions. As I declare five days of public mourning, I extend my condolences to the dear Iranian people. In accordance with Article 131 of the Constitution, Mr. Mokhber will assume the position of managing the executive branch and is tasked with cooperating with the heads of the legislative and judicial branches to arrange for the election of a new president within a maximum period of fifty days.
In conclusion, I extend my sincere condolences to the honorable mother of His Eminence Mr. Raisi, his virtuous and generous wife, the other relatives of the President of the Republic and the distinguished families of the escorts, especially the glorious father of His Eminence Mr. Al-Hashem, wishing them patience and solace, and divine mercy for the departed.
Mr. Ali Khamenei
May 20, 2024