IRNA - Iranian government, in a message condoling the demise of late Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Shahrudi declared Wednesday, December 26th, as public mourning throughout the country.

The text of the message reads, 'The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran condoles the demise of late Head of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Seyyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Grand Ayatollahs, the Seminaries, people of Iran and his respected family and on this occasion, December 26th, will be announced public mourning throughout the country.'

Chairman of Expediency Council Ayatollah Seyyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi passed away in Khatam ul-Anbiya Hospital in Tehran late on Monday.

After a long battle with disease, he died at the age of 70, a relative of his and an official from the hospital confirmed the news.

Shahroudi was born in Najaf, Iraq, in 1948 and had served as a member of the Guardian Council since 1994.

He was also judiciary chief and member of Experts Council. As of 2017, he was chairman of Expediency Council.