UPDATE - Xi ‘shocked’ by Iran bombings, extends China’s ‘firm support’ to Tehran

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT BY CHINESE PRESIDENT; CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China’s President Xi Jinping on Thursday said he was “shocked” by twin bombings in Iran that resulted in the killing of at least 84 people, extending Beijing’s “firm support” to Tehran.

In a condolence message to his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi, Xi said: “China opposes all forms of terrorism, strongly condemns terrorist attacks, and firmly supports Iran’s efforts in safeguarding national security and stability,” according to an official statement.

The powerful blasts in Iran’s southeastern city of Kerman on Wednesday ripped through a crowd of people who had gathered in close vicinity to the cemetery where Iran’s former top military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani lies buried.

Earlier on Thursday, China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing was “deeply shocked” over the bombings, voicing its firm stance against terrorism.

Speaking to the media during his visit to Kerman city on Thursday, Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said a total of 84 people have been declared dead so far.

Many of the injured people are still in critical condition, he added, which might push the death toll higher.

A total of 220 injured have been admitted to various hospitals in the mountainous province, the minister said, adding that the situation is back to normal.