The streets of Mashhad, Iran were filled with thousands of mourners on Thursday as they gathered to bid farewell to President Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash just four days ago. The 63-year-old president was considered a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and his untimely death has left the nation in mourning.
Footage broadcast by Iranian media captured the emotional scenes as Raisi’s coffin was slowly transported through the streets, with flowers being thrown in tribute to the fallen leader. The procession culminated at the Imam Reza shrine, Iran’s holiest Islamic site, where Raisi was laid to rest.
The helicopter crash that claimed Raisi’s life also took the lives of seven others, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. The nation has declared five days of mourning for Raisi, who was known for his hardline policies and unwavering commitment to upholding clerical power.
As Iran prepares for a presidential election on June 28, the loss of Raisi has left a void in the political landscape. Interim President Mohammad Mokhber is currently leading the nation until a new leader is elected.
The funeral procession for Amirabdollahian was held in Tehran, where he was laid to rest in the Shah Abdolazim shrine. The nation continues to grieve the loss of these prominent figures, who played pivotal roles in shaping Iran’s political landscape.