TEHRAN: Thousands gathered in Iran on Thursday to bid farewell to President Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash. The funeral procession marked the final rites for Raisi, 63, who perished alongside his foreign minister and six others during a helicopter crash in Iran’s northwest mountains. The somber event drew crowds mourning the loss of their leader.
In the city of Birjand, mourners marched with placards and flags, paying their respects to the departed president. Raisi, born in Mashhad, will find his final resting place at the holy shrine of Imam Reza, a significant Shia mausoleum in the northeastern city.
The streets of Mashhad were adorned with black flags and symbols of Shia mourning, as preparations were made for the final day of ceremonies. Raisi’s tenure as president was marked by challenges, including mass protests, economic crises, and heightened tensions with Israel.
The funeral procession in Tehran on Wednesday saw a massive turnout, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei leading prayers for Raisi and the other crash victims. Foreign dignitaries, including Tunisian President Kais Saied and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, attended the ceremony, joined by representatives from around 60 countries.
As Iran grapples with the loss of its president, uncertainty looms over the upcoming presidential election scheduled for June 28. Mohammad Mokhber, appointed as caretaker president, will oversee the transition until the election. Concerns persist among Iranians about finding a successor of Raisi’s caliber.
Raisi’s presidency, which began in 2021, was marked by significant challenges, including economic turmoil and geopolitical tensions. Following his untimely demise, condolences poured in from around the world, reflecting the impact of his leadership on the global stage.