Iran says helicopter crash losses not to disrupt its growing movement

Millions of mourners attend the funeral procession for Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi in Mashhad, northeastern Iran, on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Tasnim news agency)

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry says there will be no disruption in the Islamic Republic’s growing movement and its constructive regional and international roles despite the martyrdom of President Ebrahim Raeisi and his companions.

Nasser Kan’ani, in a post published on the social media platform X on Friday, stated that Iran had lost “a popular, competent and hard-working president” and a “studious and active foreign minister” in the tragic incident.

He went on to praise the wisdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as well as the greatness and vigilance of the Iranian nation.

“Under the protection of a wise Leader and a great, appreciative and awake nation, there will be no disruption in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s growing movement and its constructive and effective role in the regional and international interactions,” Kan’ani pointed out.

On Thursday afternoon, Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi was laid to rest in a tomb at the Imam Reza (AS) Shrine, where Shia Islam’s eighth imam is buried and millions of pilgrims visit each year, in the northeastern city of Mashhad.

Kan'ani said on the sidelines of a funeral for foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that the participation from various geographical regions and the multitude of messages of condolence and sympathy show Iran's prominent position in the world.

"The loss of Amir-Abdollahian is certainly a loss for Iran's diplomatic system, but the Islamic Republic of Iran is a system based on institutions and basic approaches in the field of relations and foreign policy arising from the thoughts and ideals of the Imam [Khomeini], the principled approach of the Eminent Leader [Ayatollah Khamenei] and the basic principles in the Constitution," he said.