UPDATE 2 - Europe extends condolences over Iranian president's death

CHANGES HEADLINE, ADDS STATEMENT BY FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTRY

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – European leaders and officials on Monday expressed condolences over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

“The EU expresses its sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident. Our thoughts go to the families,” European Council President Charles Michel wrote on X.

Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell’s office also issued a statement that read: “The European Union offers its condolences for the death of President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdollahian and other Iranian officials involved in the tragic helicopter crash on Sunday. The EU expresses its sympathies to the families of all the victims and to the Iranian citizens affected.”

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with the Iranian government and people, according to the Italian news agency ANSA. Meloni added that she foresaw no “major changes” in Iran’s internal structure for now.

The French Foreign Ministry also extended its condolences on the deaths, sending "thoughts to the victims’ families.”

After a nightlong search operation hampered by bad weather, Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and other top officials were declared dead on Monday morning.

Dozens of emergency rescue teams were dispatched to the mountainous area in northwestern Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, where the accident occurred Sunday afternoon.

According to the Iranian Constitution, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will assume powers of the presidency, and elections be held within 50 days.