In the wake of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a shocking helicopter crash, several nations have extended their sympathies to Iran.
The European Union offered sincere condolences through its top leaders. European Council President Charles Michel and the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, extended their heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and the Iranian people affected. Michel stated on X, "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."
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.
โ Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) May 20, 2024
Criticism arose from figures like Swedish Member of the European Parliament David Lega who asked Borrell, "Can you look the brave women and freedom fighters of Iran in the eye ever again? I can. Shame on you." Belgium's former Migration Minister Theo Francken condemned the EU's condolences for a "butcher and cruel mass murderer" and added, "You don't speak in my name."
Oh boy, European condolences for the death of a butcher and cruel mass murderer.
Where are all those fake tears for Olivier Vandecasteele and Johan Floderus your EU diplomat who is still been kidnapped by the regime.
You don't speak in my name. ๐
โ Theo Francken MP (@FranckenTheo) May 20, 2024
ย China's President Xi Jinping characterized Raisi's passing as a "profound loss" for the Iranian populace, expressing friendship and solidarity between the two countries. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi conveyed prayers for the deceased Iranian leader and expressed unity with Iran's leadership and citizens during this tragic incident.
The Palestinian group Hamas expressed profound condolences and solidarity with Iran, commending Ebrahim Raisi and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian for their support of Palestine against Israel. Similarly, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah acknowledged the "martyrs' struggle in defending national causes" and prayed for Iran's resilience in overcoming this loss with patience and determination.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed deep sadness and shock, recognizing Raisi's contributions to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relations. Iraq's Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani also expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and officials. Pope Francis sent condolences to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following Raisi's death.
The United States officially offered condolences over the deaths of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian, and other delegation members killed in the crash. However, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms," in an apparent criticism of Raisi's human rights record. Miller clarified that the US does not wish to see anyone die under such circumstances.
Nonetheless, Raisi's death, dubbed the "Butcher of Tehran" for his alleged role in executing political prisoners in the 1980s, was met with celebrations by some Iranians. Videos circulated on social media depicting festive scenes, fireworks, and joyful chanting in Tehran, despite a heavy police presence. However, thousands of regime supporters also mourned Raisi's passing, holding prayers in his memory on the streets of Tehran.
