Iran condemns 'brutal terrorist attack' at Moscow concert hall

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) — Iran strongly condemned a "terrorist" attack in a concert hall northwest of central Moscow on Friday, reportedly claiming dozens of lives.

In a statement late on Friday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani condemned what he called the "bloody and brutal terrorist attack" at the Crocus City Hall in the Moscow region's administrative center Krasnogorsk.

Extending condolences to Russia's government and people, especially the families of the victims, Kanaani underlined Tehran's support for Moscow following the deadly incident.

In a separate statement on X, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also strongly condemned the "terrorist attack" and expressed condolences to the government and people of Russia.

"A joint and effective fight against terrorism requires serious and non-discriminatory action by the international community," the top diplomat said.

Heavily armed gunmen in combat fatigues killed 40 people and injured over 100 others as they opened fire at Crocus City Hall during a concert, according to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).

An explosion was also reported at the venue, causing a large fire. The country's Emergency Ministry said that about a third of the building was engulfed in flames, with several helicopters working to extinguish the blaze.

Russian authorities have reportedly ordered investigations into the incident, which is the deadliest in Russia in recent years.

The attack comes days after Vladimir Putin was reelected president after a landslide win.

Iran and Russia are close regional allies who have bolstered their bilateral ties in recent years amid growing tensions with the US. ​​​​​​​