Minister Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar has departed to Iran to attend the funeral ceremony of Iran's President, Dr. Seyyed Emrahim Raisi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hussain Amir-Abdollahian.

President's Office said Minister Adam Shareef is attending the funeral as the Special Envoy of the President.

President Dr. Muizzu offered his condolences in a message to Mohammad Mokhber, the Interim President of Iran, following the passing of President Dr. Raisi after the fatal helicopter crash on Sunday.

In his condolence message, President Dr. Muizzu extended sympathies on behalf of the Maldivian citizens and offered prayers to Almighty Allah to bless the departed souls.

The President had earlier a directive earlier in the day for the national flag to be flown at half-mast for three days in mourning for Iran's late President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi.

According to media reports, the helicopter was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog on the way back from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan when it crashed. East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati was also onboard the helicopter, according to media sources.

Dr. Raisi's death was confirmed in a statement on social media by Vice President Mohsen Mansouri and on state television.

Raisi, 63, was elected president in 2021, and since taking office has ordered a tightening of morality laws, overseen a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests and pushed hard in nuclear talks with world powers.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate power with a final say on foreign policy and Iran's nuclear programme, had earlier sought to reassure Iranians, saying there would be no disruption to state affairs.

As such, Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has taken over duties as interim president following the death of President Dr. Raisi. He will remain in power until a new president is elected in 50 days.