UPDATE - Russia sends condolences over Iranian president’s death in helicopter crash

REVISES HEADLINE, SPOT AND LEDE; ADDS CONDOLENCE MESSAGE BY RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SERGEY LAVROV; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russia on Monday sent messages of condolence to Tehran over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other senior government officials in a helicopter crash.

Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were on board the aircraft that went down on Sunday afternoon in northern Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.

Vice President Mohammed Mokhber will assume the powers of the presidency until new elections are called.

"Seyed Ebrahim Raisi was an outstanding politician whose entire life was devoted to serving the Motherland. He rightfully enjoyed high respect from his compatriots and significant authority abroad," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a telegram message to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Putin described Raisi as a "true friend of Russia," noting that he made an "invaluable personal contribution" to the development of Moscow-Tehran relations, working hard to elevate them to the level of strategic partnership.

"I had the opportunity to meet Seyed Ebrahim Raisi several times, and I will forever retain the fondest memory of this wonderful man. I ask you to convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the family and friends of the late President and all those killed in this terrible disaster," he added.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also expressed his condolences over the death of Raisi and his counterpart Amir-Abdollahian in the crash, expressing that he will always remember such political figures who "firmly defended the interests of their state and gave their lives to selfless service to the Motherland."

Lavrov said Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian were known as "true, reliable friends" of Russia, and their role in strengthening bilateral cooperation and partnership is "invaluable."

"We sincerely condole with the families and friends of the victims, as well as with all the friendly people of Iran. In this sad hour, our thoughts and hearts are with you," he added.