It is confirmed that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died as a result of a mysterious helicopter crash this week that occurred in a mountainous area over East Azerbaijan.
Early reports indicated that Raisi was only feared dead, or that his life was "at risk," after the accident was reported, but we have since learned that Raisi's body was recovered by emergency crews.
Iranian rescuers were first to arrive at the site, followed by an allied Russian team that the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed sent a 50-man specialist mountain rescue unit to help look for any survivors.
The weather was bad at the time of the crash, including heavy fog and rain. The helicopter wreckage was eventually found in a wooded area near the border with Turkey.
The Iranian government released a statement indicating that the following other Iranian leaders were also killed in the crash: Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati and East Azerbaijan Imam Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem.
(Related: Israel continues to pat itself on the back about how much it is supposedly doing to prevent civilian deaths in Gaza.)
Moscow "deeply saddened" by Raisi's death
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenai announced following the incident that he appointed First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as acting president where he will remain for 50 days until an election is held.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his "deepest condolences" to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei concerning the deaths, describing Raisi as "an outstanding politician whose entire life was devoted to serving the Motherland."
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Putin further described the late Iranian leader as "a true friend of Russia" who contributed greatly to boosting ties between Moscow and Tehran through a "strategic partnership."
Hearing about Raisi's "tragic death" left Moscow "deeply saddened," though Russian leaders want the world to know that both Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian will be remembered as "true patriots of Iran who firmly defended the interests of their country and gave their lives in the selfless service to the Motherland."
Both of these men were "true, reliable friends" of Russia who played an "invaluable" role in strengthening ties between Moscow and Iran.
"We express our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims, as well as to all the friendly people of Iran," the foreign minister said. "In this hour of sorrow, our thoughts and hearts are with you."
Hamas also expressed its sympathies, stating that it shares the "pain and sorrow" of Iranian people who supported these leaders who have a history of "honorable stances" in support of the Palestinian people.
"We are confident that the Islamic Republic of Iran will overcome the implications of this great loss," a Hamas statement reads.
The Russian embassy in Tehran also expressed "great sadness" following the news.
"We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims, the entire Iranian people and the government," reads a statement from the entity. "We wish you patience and mental fortitude in overcoming this most difficult tragedy."
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he felt "shocked" after hearing the news, describing Raisi as "an exemplary person (and) an extraordinary world leader," as well as "an excellent human being, defender of the sovereignty of his people and unconditional friend of our country."
"A heartfelt hug from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," Maduro added. "You, Iran, are an example of dignity, morality and resistance."
The Iranian government has reassured the people of Iran that it will keep operating as usual "without the slightest disruption."
"We assure the loyal nation that the path of service will continue with the tireless spirit of Ayatollah Raisi."
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