Condolences Pour into Iran over Demise of Ayatollah Rafsanjani

A US State Department official on Sunday described Ayatollah Rafsanjani ‎as a "prominent figure" throughout the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"We send our condolences to his family and loved ones," the official said in a statement.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also sent a message in Twitter, offering condolences to the Iranian government and nation.

Separately, former president of Turkey Abdullah Gul posted a message in his Twitter account, saying, “I am very sad to learn about the demise of President Rafsanjani. May Allah rest his soul in peace.”

The sudden death of the iconic cleric drew condolences from neighboring Iraq as well.

Iraqi President Muhammad Fuad Masum, former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, and Head of the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq Ammar Hakim have sent messages of condolence over the passing of Ayatollah Rafsanjani.

Moreover, representative of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement in Tehran, Nasser Abu Sharif, described the passing of “an age-old friend of Imam Khomeini and a pillar of the Islamic Revolution’s struggles” as a great sorrow felt by the Islamic Revolution lovers around the world, particularly the Palestinians.

He also paid tribute to Ayatollah Rafsanjani for devoting long years of his life to supporting the cause of Palestine.

Afghanistan's Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah has also offered his condolences to Iran over the top cleric’s death.

Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Monday expressed deep grief over the death of former President of Iran.

The Prime Minister said Rafsanjani was an influential figure not only in Iran but also a symbol of reconciliatory peace efforts at the international level.

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has also sent a message of condolence to his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani, saying he is grieved at the news of demise of the “prominent figure” of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Oman Sultan Qaboos bin Said has also sent a cable of condolences to President Dr. Hassan Rouhani on the death of Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

In his cable, he has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to President Rouhani, the Iranian people and the deceased's family, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased's soul in peace and grant his family patience.

China extended its deep condolences to Iran following the death of former president.

Calling Rafsanjani an "influential leader," spokesperson Lu Kang said that China offered sympathy to the government and people of Iran, as well as Rafsanjani's relatives. Lu also spoke highly of Rafsanjani's contributions to bilateral ties between Iran and China during his presidency.

Ayatollah Rafsanjani passed away at a hospital in northern Tehran on Sunday at the age of 82 due to a heart condition.

He was among the main aides to the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini.

He played an influential role both during the anti-Shah struggles before the victory of the Islamic Revolution and afterwards through various stages of the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Rafsanjani was also a key figure during eight years of Iraq’s imposed war on Iran (1980-88), serving as substitute to commander-in-chief of the armed forces.