Xi sends condolences to Iran over terror attacks

People gather at the scene of explosions during a ceremony held to mark the death of late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, in Kerman, Iran, Jan 3, 2024. [Photo/Agencies]

President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Thursday, a day after major terror attacks in the country, saying that China firmly supports Iran's efforts to safeguard its national security and stability.

Xi said he was shocked to learn that serious terror attacks had taken place in the Iranian city of Kerman and caused heavy casualties.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he expressed deep condolences for the deceased and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured.

Xi emphasized in his message that China opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns terrorist attacks.

Two bombs exploded and killed 84 people at a commemoration for Qassem Soleimani, a prominent Iranian general slain by the United States in a 2020 drone strike, Iranian officials said on Thursday, revising down an earlier toll from the blasts.

The explosions struck minutes apart on Wednesday, shaking the city of Kerman, about 820 kilometers southeast of Teheran, the Iranian capital. The second blast sprayed shrapnel into a screaming crowd fleeing the first explosion.

The United Nations, the European Union and some countries, including Russia, Turkiye and Germany, have strongly denounced the blasts.