Mourners in black gathered in Iran for the funerals and processions of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and others killed in a helicopter crash. The ceremonies aimed to honor the dead and project strength amidst an unsettled Middle East. Mass demonstrations have been crucial for Iran’s Shiite theocracy, with previous events drawing millions. Raisi’s death throws into question the selection of a possible successor for Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, given the lack of an heir-apparent cleric for the presidency.
Thousands of mourners in black walked beside the caskets of the deceased through the streets of Tabriz, with some throwing flowers and weeping for the martyrs. The bodies were later transported to Tehran and then to the holy city of Qom, where a semitruck was swarmed by a crowd of mourners. The funeral services are expected to draw a significant turnout, although international presence remains uncertain due to Raisi’s controversial actions while in office, including mass executions and human rights abuses.
Raisi’s death has elicited mixed reactions internationally, with some countries hesitant to offer condolences due to Iran’s actions in conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat of the United Kingdom stated that he would not mourn Raisi, citing his regime’s record of human rights violations. The five days of mourning declared by Iran reflect the importance of public mourning sessions in the country, with government employees and schoolchildren typically attending en masse.
Despite the government’s efforts to encourage participation in the mourning process, Tehran has seen mass protests against Raisi’s policies in recent years, most notably following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. The unrest ultimately resulted in over 500 deaths and thousands detained. As Iran grapples with economic challenges and social tensions, the crash that claimed Raisi’s life has sparked critical messages and dark jokes online. The cause of the crash remains unknown, with Iran’s military set to investigate.
The new Assembly of Experts in Iran opened its first session following the election that determined its members, including Raisi and the late Tabriz Friday leader Mohammad Ali Ale-Heshem. The panel plays a crucial role in selecting the country’s next supreme leader, highlighting the significance of Raisi’s position within the government. Despite the uncertainties surrounding his death, the ceremonies and processions honoring Raisi and others killed in the crash serve as a moment of national mourning and reflection for Iran.
