Iran mourns President Raisi and other officials killed in helicopter crash ​

Thousands of mourners in black gathered for a series of government-led funerals and processions honoring Iran's late President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and others killed in a helicopter crash. (Picture credit: AFP)

Mass demonstrations have been crucial for Iran's Shiite theocracy, reminiscent of the crowds during the Islamic revolution in 1979 and the funeral of General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. (Picture credit: AFP)

Despite Raisi's unpopularity and his role in suppressing dissent, heavy security forces were deployed to prevent public celebrations of his death. (Picture credit: AFP)

Raisi's death, occurring ahead of the June 28 elections, complicates the succession plans for Iran's 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Picture credit: AFP)

A procession led by a semitruck carrying the caskets moved through Tabriz, Tehran, and Qom, with mourners throwing flowers and beating their chests in mourning. (Picture credit: AFP)

Some international leaders, citing Raisi's controversial record, expressed discomfort or refused to send condolences, highlighting the complexity of Iran's international relations. (Picture credit: AFP)

Iran declared five days of mourning, encouraging widespread public participation in the ceremonies, often involving government employees and schoolchildren. (Picture credit: AFP)

The public's reaction was mixed, with some anti-government chants and critical messages circulating online, reflecting the divided opinions on Raisi's presidency. (Picture credit: AFP)

Iran's military will investigate the crash, amid skepticism due to past controversial air crash reports, particularly following the downing of a Ukrainian plane in 2020. (Picture credit: AFP)