From Sheikh Mohamed to Modi: World leaders offer condolences on death of Iranian President

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner long seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border, officials and state media said on Monday.

This is how the leaders from across the world reacted to the news:

UAE

"I extend my deepest condolences to the Iranian government and people over the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and those accompanying them following a tragic accident. We pray that God grants them eternal rest and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families," President Sheikh Mohamed posted on X.

He added that the UAE "stands in solidarity with Iran at this difficult time."

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Saudi Arabia

King Salman Bin AbdulAziz and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman offered condolences to the acting head of the executive authority, Mohammad Mokhber, on the death of Ibrahim Raisi, president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and his companion.

India

"Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X on Monday.

Turkey

"As a colleague who personally witnessed his efforts for the peace of the Iranian people and our region during his time in power, I remember Mr. Raisi with respect and gratitude," said Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

Iraq

"With profound sadness and deep sorrow, we received the tragic news of the passing of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ibrahim Raisi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and their companions, due to the unfortunate plane crash incident in northern Iran." Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani said.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei, and to the nation of Iran, its government and people. We express our solidarity with the brotherly Iranian people and the officials of the Islamic Republic during this painful tragedy."

Egypt

"The president of the Arab Republic of Egypt extends his sincere condolences and sympathy to the brotherly Iranian people, and prays that the deceased Iranian President and the departed may rest in God Almighty's mercy, and grant their families patience and solace, expressing the solidarity of the Arab Republic of Egypt with the Iranian leadership and people in this terrible incident," said Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in a statement

Jordan

"My deepest condolences to the brothers, leadership, government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the death of Brother President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Brother Hossein Amir Abdullahian and those accompanying them, may God have mercy on them all.

"We stand in solidarity with our brothers in Iran in this difficult circumstance," said Jordan's King Abdullah, on X.

Malaysia

"I had the honour of meeting President Raisi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last November.

"He exemplified a deep commitment to the welfare of his people and the dignity of his nation, which represents a proud and rich civilisation rooted in the principles of Islam.

"His dedication to justice, peace, and the uplift of the ummah was truly inspiring. We committed ourselves to bolstering Malaysia-Iran relations, working together for the betterment of our peoples and the Muslim world. Our pledge will be fulfilled," said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, on Facebook

Syria

In a statement of condolence, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad affirmed Syria's solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the families of the dead, adding that Raisi's dedication to his work and duties had taken him to East Azerbaijan to inaugurate a vital project for his country, where he was martyred in the line of duty.

Assad added that Syria had worked with the late president to ensure strategic ties between Syria and Iran remained prosperous, recalling Raisi's important visit to Syria as part of enhancing ties for the benefit of both nations.

Pakistan

Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on social media platform X on Monday, extended deepest condolences to "Brotherly Iran" on behalf of himself and the Pakistani people and government.

"Had been anxiously following developments regarding the reported crash landing of President Raisi's helicopter. Was hoping for good news. Alas, this was not to be. I along with the government and people of Pakistan extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on this terrible loss. May the martyred souls rest in heavenly peace.

"The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage," he said.

Qatar

"Sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian, and the accompanying officials in the painful helicopter accident, asking God Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for them and for their families with patience and solace. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return," Emir Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad Al Thani wrote on X.

Russia

"Seyed Ebrahim Raisi was an outstanding politician whose entire life was devoted to serving the Motherland.

"As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good neighbourly relations between our countries and made great efforts to bring them to the level of strategic partnership," said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Sri Lanka