Iran's Shiite theocracy has a tradition of mass demonstrations, dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The recent processions recall the large turnouts for figures like Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and General Qassem Soleimani.

It remains unclear if the funerals for Raisi and others will draw as large a crowd, given Raisi's controversial tenure and the lowest-turnout presidential election in Iran's history.

Authorities have warned against public celebrations of Raisi's death, and a heavy security presence has been observed in Tehran to prevent unrest.

Raisi's death disrupts the anticipated succession plans for Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, raising questions about future leadership amid upcoming elections.

The bodies will be taken through Tabriz, Qom, and Tehran, with the main funeral presided over by Khamenei. Raisi's final resting place will be the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, an honour reflecting his status.

International reaction to Raisi's death is muted, particularly from Western countries due to his involvement in human rights abuses and Iran’s geopolitical activities, such as supplying drones to Russia.

Mixed reactions have surfaced, with some anti-government sentiments and celebrations noted online and in parts of Tehran, reflecting the divisive views on Raisi's leadership.

The cause of the helicopter crash remains unknown. Iran's military, rather than its civil aviation authority, will investigate the incident, following past criticism of Iran's handling of air crash investigations.