Iran slams Istanbul terror attacks

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi, expressed his deepest condolences and sympathy to the government and nation of Iraq and Turkey, adding “politicized appeasements, the instrumental use of violence and terrorism, and applying double standards in response to them, have all allowed this global scourge to sweep across all geographical, political, moral and religious boundaries and continue its vile and shameful existence.”

The Iranian diplomat considered the only way to combat terrorism as collective resolve and unity among all countries against violence and terror, expressing hope that through full vigilance and firm determination from all governments and nations, the world will move toward a path free of violence and terrorism in the New Year.

According to Turkish officials, at least 39 people were killed and 69 wounded in an attack in a nightclub early Sunday as they were celebrating the new year, making it the first of 2017. There have been no claims of responsibility so far.

Also on Saturday, a suicide attack on a busy commercial street in Iraqi capital Baghdad left at least 28 people dead and 53 wounded. The attack was carried out by two suicide bombers in the center of the city. ISIL claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on its website.

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