Iran's prez, foreign minister die in air crash

Dubai, NT Bureau: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country's foreign minister were found dead Monday hours after their helicopter crashed in fog, leaving the Islamic Republic without two key leaders as extraordinary tensions grip the wider Middle East.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in the Shiite theocracy, quickly named a little-known vice president as caretaker and insisted the government was in control, but the deaths mark yet another blow to a country beset by pressures both at home and abroad.

Iran has offered no cause for the crash nor suggested sabotage brought down the helicopter, which fell in mountainous terrain in a sudden, intense fog.

In Tehran, Iran's capital, businesses were open and children attended school Monday. However, there was a noticeable presence of both uniformed and plainclothes security forces.

Later in the day, hundreds of mourners crowded into downtown Vali-eAsr square holding posters of Raisi and waving Palestinian flags. Some men clutched prayer beads and were visibly crying. Women wearing black chadors gathered together holding photos of the dead leader.

“We were shocked that we lost such a character that made Iran proud,” said Mohammad Beheshti, 36.

India declares day of mourning today

The Government of India (GOI) declared an official day of mourning on Tuesday due to the deaths of Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and the country’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan on Monday.

Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow. —Narendra Modi

The Indian Tricolour will be flown at halfmast and there will be no governmentrelated entertainment programmes on Tuesday, an official announcement said. Raisi