The European Union expressed Monday through Charles Michel, President of the European Council, its “sincere condolences” to Iran following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raïssi and his Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in an accident helicopter. Russia also reacted, speaking of the loss of “true friends”.
“The EU expresses its sincere condolences following the death of President Raïssi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew, in a helicopter accident. Our thoughts are with the families,” posted Charles Michel on X.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a statement that Russia has lost “true friends” with the deaths of Iranian President Raisi and his minister, hailing “true patriots” who “firmly defended the interests of their country”.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also presented his condolences to Iran on Monday, proclaiming his “solidarity” with Tehran, which has supported him since the start of the civil war in his country.
The president’s helicopter disappeared early Sunday afternoon while flying over a steep, forested region of Iran in difficult weather conditions with rain and thick fog. The bodies were found by emergency services Monday morning.
