IRAN, May 20: Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has announced five days of public mourning following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Confirming First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as the interim head of the country's executive branch, Khamenei addressed the nation in a statement carried by the official news agency IRNA.

"I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran," Khamenei stated, expressing the nation's collective grief.

In accordance with Iran's constitution, Article 131 mandates that a council composed of the first vice president, the speaker of parliament, and the head of the judiciary must facilitate the election of a new president. Mokhber, closely aligned with Khamenei, assumes the interim leadership role, entrusted with the responsibility of orchestrating the presidential succession process.

"Mokhber will manage the executive branch and is obliged to arrange with the heads of the legislative and judicial branches to elect a new president within a maximum of 50 days," Khamenei further declared, emphasizing the urgency of selecting Raisi's successor.

Mokhber's appointment to the role of first vice president in 2021, coinciding with Raisi's presidency, underscores his alignment with Khamenei's vision for the nation's leadership.

The passing of President Raisi marks a significant moment in Iran's political landscape, prompting swift action to ensure the continuity of governance amidst a period of national mourning.