Turkish PM offers condolences for Iran quake victims

By Sefa Mutlu

ISTANBUL

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Monday offered condolences for the victims of Sunday's earthquake that struck along the Iraq-Iran border region.

According to Prime Ministry sources, Yildirim told Iran’s First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri that Turkey stands with Iran on this difficult day and that they are ready to help heal its wounds.

Jahangiri thanked Yildirim and said they will keep Turkey updated, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The latest reported death toll of Sunday’s earthquake was 407, according to Iran's Fars news agency.

Jahangiri was appointed by President Hassan Rouhani to mobilize resources to help earthquake victims.

Turkey shares with Iran a history of tragic earthquakes, including the devastating 1999 Marmara earthquake, which took some 17,000 lives.