‘Shocked’ Xi, Assad express solidarity with Iran after bombings

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a message of condolences to President Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi, saying he is “shocked to learn about serious terror attacks” in Iran's southeastern city of Kerman in which scores of people were massacred on Wednesday.

“On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and sincere sympathy to those injured in the terrorist attack,” state news agency Xinhua reported on Thursday.

"President Xi stressed that China opposes all forms of terrorism, strongly condemns terrorist attacks and firmly supports Iran's efforts in safeguarding national security and stability," it added.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also sent separate cables of commiseration to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Raeisi.

He “extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and the whole people across Iran over this bereavement”, saying Syria’s leadership and people share with them “this painful loss and wishes speedy recovery for the injured, state news agency SANA reported.

“President al-Assad underlined that such terrorist outrages targeting the civilians confirms the extent of failure the terrorists along with their backers have reached to and their disappointment in making peoples abandon their principles and national interests including defending sovereignty and dignity.”

Iran observed a day of mourning on Thursday for those martyred in the terrorist blasts that ripped through a large crowd marking the fourth anniversary of the US assassination of top anti-terror Commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.

The martyrdom toll was revised down to 84 from around 100, with hundreds of others wounded near Lt. Gen. Soleimani's tomb in Kerman.

Iran's Emergency Services Chief Jafar Mi'adfar pointed to difficulties identifying dismembered bodies and said some victims were mistakenly counted "several times". He said 284 people were wounded and 195 are still hospitalized.

Meanwhile, Iranians prepared for mass protests after weekly prayers across the nation on Friday, when funerals will be held for the victims.

ME