Ruto described Raisi as a "fearless leader and dedicated public servant with a long and distinguished career in public service."

Iran now has a maximum period of 50 days before a presidential election must be held to choose Raisi's successor.

Raisi, who has previously described Africa as a "continent of opportunities", said he wanted to boost commercial ties with African countries.

Mohammad Mokhber, 68, Iran's first vice president who, based on the country's constitution, is expected to become interim president following the deat...

According to article 131 of the Islamic Republic's constitution, if a president dies in office the first vice president takes over, with the confirmat...

"President Raisi's helicopter was completely burned in the crash ... unfortunately, all passengers are feared dead," the official told Reuters.

The official Iranian news agency, IRNA, said the helicopter involved in the incident had been carrying Raisi as well as Foreign Minister Hossein Amira...