India condemns Iran terror attacks

India on Wednesday condemned the terror attacks in Iran's capital Tehran that claimed eight lives, and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement said that in a prescheduled telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj "condemned today's terrorist attacks on institutions of democracy and spirituality in Tehran".

"She offered sincere condolences on loss of innocent lives and expressed solidarity with the people and the government of Iran," the statement said.

At least eight people were killed on Wednesday in the first terror attack claimed by the Islamic State in Iran, with the assailants acting in coordination, targeting the Parliament House and Ayatollah Khomeini's mausoleum in the heart of Tehran.

Details of the twin attacks remained sketchy even several hours later. Lawmaker Tayebeh Siavoshi told Efe news that the situation was "very confusing and sensitive".

The Islamic State, a Sunni jihadi group, claimed responsibility for both attacks in the Shia majority nation.

--IANS

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