[Video transcript]
After Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash, messages of grief and support. Many from countries backed by Iran in their fight against the United States or Israel, sworn enemies of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Heads of other authoritarian states and regional neighbors sent their deepest condolences.
China's foreign ministry issued a statement from leader Xi Jinping, saying his country had lost a dear friend.
Wang Wenbin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson: "President Xi said that since taking office, President Raisi made significant contributions to maintaining Iran's security and stability, and promoting the country's development and prosperity. He also made active efforts to strengthen and develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Iran."
Russia and Iran have deepened their ties since the start of Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Putin also hailed his country's strategic partnership and friendship. Tehran has supplied Moscow's forces with Shahed drones throughout the conflict.
Syria is home to many Iran-linked militias, and President Bashar al-Assad was fulsome in his praise for Raisi's efforts to enrich Syrian-Iran relations.
In Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country would observe a day of mourning and fly the flag at half mast as a mark of respect.
While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Raisi’s contribution to strengthening the India-Iran bilateral relationship.
The European Union's reaction was relatively muted. Council President Charles Michel expressed the EU's sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi as well as other members of their delegation and crew.
The bloc has imposed sanctions against Iran in response to its human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation activities and military support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.