Many world leaders have offered their condolences to the Iranian and Iraqi people affected by the tragic earthquake that has so far killed more than 500 and wounded 7370 people.
In a statement on Monday, US State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said, “The United States expresses its sincere condolences to all of those affected by the earthquake in Iran and Iraq.”
“We keep the families of those who were killed, and injured, in our thoughts as well as the communities that have suffered damage to homes and property,” she added.
In another statement, Pope Francis also expressed sympathy with the Iranian and Iraqi nations over the earthquake casualties.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also expressed their regret over the deadly disaster.
Egypt and Jordan also condoled with Iran over the earthquake and offered sympathy to the bereaved families of the victims.
While offering his condolences to the family of the victims, UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres deeply regretted the loss of lives and devastation left by the quake.
In the meantime, Guterres announced that, if necessary, UN is ready to cooperate with Tehran helping the survivors.
Earlier on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah condoled with Iran over the tragedy.
Furthermore, one of the two main candidates representing Democrats in the last US primary presidential election, independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, called on President Donald Trump to put aside his hardline politicies and offer assistance to Iran after the country was hit Sunday by what's become the deadliest earthquake of the year.
"The devastation from the earthquake in Iran last night is horrific. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and the communities that must cope with this catastrophe," Sanders tweeted.
"I hope and expect that the United States will assist in disaster relief efforts for Iran, as we did in 2003 and 2012. At a time of growing tension between our two countries, this would be an important act of friendship," he added in his follow-up tweet.
The last deadly quake in Iran occurred in Western Azarbaijan province five years ago. At least 300 were killed in the twin quakes with 6.3 and 6.4 magnitude.
