The announcement came in a message issued on Monday morning, expressing profound sadness over the incident that occurred in Iran's East Azerbaijan province the day before.

In his message, Ayatollah Khamenei paid tribute to President Raisi, hailing him as a diligent cleric and a beloved leader who devoted his life to serving Iran, its people, and Islam. He described Raisi as a warm-hearted and humble servant who tirelessly worked for the Iranian nation despite facing criticism.

Offering condolences to the Iranian nation, Ayatollah Khamenei approved Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber to assume the role of interim president. Mokhber is tasked with collaborating with the heads of the Iranian parliament and judiciary to facilitate the election of a new president within the next 50 days.

The Supreme Leader also expressed sorrow over the loss of other senior officials who were accompanying President Raisi in the helicopter crash, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, as well as the Tabriz Friday prayer leader and the provincial governor. (ILKHA)