Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country’s foreign minister died Monday after their helicopter crashed in foggy conditions, leaving Iran without two key leaders amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quickly appointed a little-known vice president as caretaker, asserting the government’s control despite the significant loss.

Iran has not provided a cause for the crash, which occurred in mountainous terrain, nor suggested sabotage, the Associated Press reported.

In Tehran, life continued with businesses open and schools in session, though security forces were noticeably present.

Later, hundreds of mourners gathered in Vali-e-Asr square, holding posters of Raisi and Palestinian flags, with many visibly grieving, including women in black chadors holding photos of the deceased leader.

Written by B.C. Begley