According to Iranian officials, the president and all passengers on the helicopter perished after the crash. Raisi, who died aged 63, rose through Iran's theocracy from hardline prosecutor to uncompromising president.

Now that President Raisi is dead, Mohammad Mokhber, the country's First Vice President will take over as interim president for 50 days. Thereafter, fresh presidential elections will be held.

President Raisi had been seen as one of the contenders for the Supreme Leader position in Iran, alongside Khamenei's son Mojtaba Khamenei. Raisi's death now leaves the latter as the favorite to become the next Supreme Leader. An assembly of experts composed of 88 members will sit to appoint the next Supreme Leader should Khameini choose to abdicate or in the event of death.