The recent tragic death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash has left the nation mourning. Thousands of mourners gathered for two days of funeral processions to pay their respects to the 63-year-old leader, who died alongside his foreign minister and six others in a helicopter crash in Iran’s mountainous northwest.
Raisi will be laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad, at the holy shrine of Imam Reza. Images published by Iranian media show preparations for the final day of funeral rites, with black flags and Shiite symbols adorning the streets.
The funeral procession in Tehran was attended by massive crowds, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei leading prayers for the late president. The upcoming 28 June election for Raisi’s successor has raised uncertainty and concerns among Iranians.
Despite his controversial presidency marked by mass protests and economic crises, condolences have poured in from around the world, with NATO, Russia, China, and Iran’s allies sending messages of sympathy.
As Iran mourns the loss of President Raisi, the nation is left grappling with the future of its leadership and the legacy of an ultra-conservative leader.