The body of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi has been transported to Tehran, with burial set for his birthplace, Mashhad, on Thursday (May 23) following a funeral ceremony in Tehran on Wednesday (May 22).

According to Iranian news agency IRNA, as reported by CNN, Raisi’s body arrived in Tehran after a series of memorial services.

On Tuesday (May 21), hundreds of thousands gathered in the East Azerbaijan city of Tabriz to pay their respects to Raisi, a leader cherished by many. Following the service in Tabriz, Raisi’s body was taken to Qom for further respects, before being moved to Tehran for the main funeral.

The investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed Raisi’s life is underway. Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, has appointed a high-ranking delegation to determine whether the crash was accidental or intentional.

In the midst of mourning, Iran has scheduled the next presidential election for June 28, as required by the constitution to be held within 50 days of a presidential vacancy.

A day after Raisi’s death, the United States expressed its condolences. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller issued an official statement on Monday, offering sympathy to the victims and their families.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday (May 19) when the helicopter carrying President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian crashed in a remote mountainous area of Iran. After an extensive search, the wreckage was located on Monday, confirming the deaths of all on board.