Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - who has ultimate authority in the Islamic Republic - expressed his condolences over what he called the “bitter tragedy” and declared five days of public mourning. “With deep sorrow and regret, I have received the bitter news of the martyrdom of the people’s president, the competent, hard-working Hajj Sayyed Ebrahim Raisi, and his esteemed entourage,” he said. A statement issued by Iran’s cabinet said the president had “made the ultimate sacrifice on the path of serving his nation”. Ministers also promised Iranians that they would follow Raisi’s path and there would “be no problem with management of the country”.
