Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif voiced deep sorrow over the “heartbreaking images from the earthquake damage and loss of life in Kermanshah (and in Iraq)” in a tweet posted early Tuesday, adding “we are grateful for global expressions of sympathy and offers of assistance. For now, we can manage with our own resources. Many thanks for all offers and we will keep you posted.”
A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Sunday night about 64 miles (103km) southeast of the city of Sulaymaniyah, near the Iraq-Iran border, leaving devastating damage to Sarpol-e Zahab county in Kermanshah province, western Iran. At least 430 people have been reported dead, with over 6,000 injured in the powerful earthquake.
Following the earthquake, officials from around the world sent message of condolences, offering help and sympathies to the bereaved families of victims. Turkey’s Erdogan, Syria’s Assad, Russia’s Putin, EU foreign policy chief Mogherini, UN chief Guterres, and other high-ranking officials from Canada, Italy, France and Azerbaijan voiced sympathy and offered assistance to the Iranian nation.
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