Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a helicopter crash landing in the country’s north. The incident occurred when the helicopter carrying President Raisi and his delegation made a "hard landing" in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, following a meeting with Azerbaijan's president Ilham Aliyev at the border between Iran and Azerbaijan. Raisi was returning with a government delegation that had attended the inauguration of the Giz Galasi Dam on the Aras river. Two helicopters traveling with Raisi made their destination unharmed. Under the Iranian constitution, Iran’s vice-first president takes over if the president dies with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s assent. A new presidential election would be called within 50 days.

Armenia

On May 20, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a telegram of condolences to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyid Ali Khamenei, over the death of the President of the Islamic Republic and his companions in a helicopter crash.

"Shocked by the death of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and those accompanying him as a result of the helicopter crash. On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Armenia, I express my sincere condolences and words of comfort on the tragic death of my dear friend and colleague President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and the persons accompanying them. I stand in solidarity with the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran and wish them strength and endurance in this difficult time. The Republic of Armenia and its people are close to our good friend and neighboring state and nation in this difficult period for the Islamic Republic of Iran," the message read.

Azerbaijan

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan sent a heartfelt letter to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, expressing his shock and sorrow over the tragic loss. He highlighted the deep bond of friendship and brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Iran, emphasizing the significant contributions of President Raisi and others who perished in the crash. President Aliyev extended his deepest condolences to the Iranian people and the families of the deceased, stressing that their cherished memories would forever remain in the hearts of Azerbaijanis.

Similarly, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry conveyed its condolences through a post on X (formerly Twitter), mourning the loss of the Iranian officials and expressing solidarity with Iran during this difficult time. The Ministry described the deaths as a "tragic loss beyond words" and reaffirmed Azerbaijan's support for the brotherly nation of Iran.

On May 21, Ilham Aliyev visited the embassy of Iran in the country to extend his condolences on the tragic passing of President Seyed Ibrahim Raisi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Huseyn Amir Abdullahiya, and other individuals in a helicopter accident. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, President Aliyev conveyed his profound shock at the tragic demise of Iranian President Seyyed Ibrahim Raisi. He offered prayers for the departed souls and expressed wishes for solace for the people of Iran, acknowledging the magnitude of the loss, which reverberated not only within Iran but across the Muslim world. Aliyev reminisced about his recent joint engagement with Seyyed Ibrahim Raisi in inaugurating a significant infrastructure project at the state border on May 19. He underscored the strength of Iran-Azerbaijan relations, symbolized by their collaborative efforts. 

Georgia

"Georgia extends its heartfelt condolences following the passing of Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other esteemed government officials," Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze wrote on social media. 

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the people of Iran during this difficult time," Kobakhidze expressed.