Rescue operations are underway to trace the crash site of the helicopter that was carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.

Rescuers in Iran were racing on Sunday to find the crash site of a helicopter that was carrying President Ebrahim Raisi to find out the fate of all those on board.

Now what will happen if President Raisi is found dead in the crash?

Below is a brief outline of what Iran's constitution says happens if a president is incapacitated or dies in office:

• According to article 131 of the Islamic Republic's constitution, if a president dies in office the first vice president takes over, with the confirmation of the supreme leader, who has the final say in all matters of state.
• A council consisting of the first vice president, the speaker of parliament and the head of the judiciary must arrange an election for a new president within a maximum period of 50 days.

It may be mentioned here that Ebrahim Raisi was elected president in 2021 and, under the current timetable, presidential elections are due to take place in 2025.

Meanwhile, world leaders have reacted to the chopper crash of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

Taking to X, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was deeply concerned by reports of the crash and that India stands in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress.

Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well being of the President and his entourage.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 19, 2024