Khamenei has declared five days of national mourning. Memorials for Raisi and his entourage began on Tuesday in the city of Tabriz and the Shia clerical centre of Qom.
Iranian media reported that in addition to closing cinemas, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has also halted all cultural and artistic activities across the country, including concerts, for seven days.
All Cultural Heritage Week events have been postponed, museums closed, all sports competitions suspended, wedding halls closed and wedding ceremonies postponed.
Following Wednesday’s procession, Raisi’s body will be taken to his hometown of Mashhad in the country’s northeast, where he will be buried after funeral rites at the Imam Reza Shrine.
The remains of others who were killed in the crash will also be sent to their hometowns to be buried.
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the growing global importance of Central Asia during his remarks at the Astana Think Tank Forum. He noted that the region's current situation is markedly different from a decade ago, with countries actively engaging in collaboration across various fields.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated significantly in recent times, with both nations on high alert for a potential military confrontation.
The European Union held its first summit with the Gulf states on Wednesday, seeking new economic allies. European Commission Ursula von der Leyen urged the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to use their influence to bring peace to Ukraine.