The funeral ceremonies for the bodies of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions began this morning, Tuesday, in Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan Province in northwestern Iran. Earlier today, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) quoted Hassan Haghighian, the General Director of Political Affairs and Elections in the province, stating that the bodies are currently in the Varzaghan area and are being transported to Tabriz, noting that the bodies have been examined by forensic experts.
Later, Mohsen Mansouri, head of the "Martyrs' Funeral Committee," announced details regarding the funeral of President Raisi and his companions, indicating that the burial ceremony will take place on Thursday morning at the "Imam Reza Holy Shrine." The international news agency Tasnim reported that Mansouri stated Wednesday would be a public holiday across the country due to the funeral ceremonies.
Mansouri added that the funeral ceremonies for the bodies of the President and his companions will be held on Tuesday morning in Tabriz, and in the afternoon in Qom. Additionally, a farewell ceremony for the martyrs’ bodies will take place on Tuesday night at the capital's mosque in Tehran, followed by funeral ceremonies in Tehran on Wednesday from Tehran University to Azadi Square (liberty square).
He also mentioned that there would be afternoon ceremonies on Wednesday attended by foreign delegations and guests in Tehran. On Monday, the Iranian government issued a statement announcing the death of Raisi and his Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, along with companions, in a helicopter crash in a mountainous area near the Azerbaijan border. Search teams found charred wreckage of the helicopter that crashed on Sunday, which was carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and six other passengers and crew members after intensive search operations overnight under challenging weather conditions.
The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has tasked Mohammad Mokhber, the First Vice President, with temporarily assuming the presidency. Khamenei, who holds absolute power and has the final say on foreign policy and Iran's nuclear program, stated in a message, "I announce a public mourning period for five days and express my condolences to the dear Iranian people."
