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Iran’s Rouhani condemns twin blasts in Turkey

Iran’s President Rouhani condemns the twin bomb blasts in the Turkish capital city of Ankara.

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Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has condemned twin bomb blasts in Ankara, Turkey, which took a major toll on a peaceful rally.

In a message on Sunday, the Iranian president extended his condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish nation.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a victim of terrorism, has always condemned such brutal acts,” Rouhani said, adding that such terrorist activities will lead nowhere.

On Saturday, twin bomb explosions targeted activists who had gathered outside Ankara's main train station for a peace rally organized by a leftist and pro-Kurdish opposition groups. Ankara has said 86 people were killed and 186 wounded in the attack. However, the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) says the death toll is at least 128.

Turkish police (rear) secure the site of twin bomb explosions as the bodies of victims on the street are covered with banners and flags, near the main train station in the capital, Ankara, on October 10, 2015. ©AFP

The Turkish government has declared three days of national mourning over the blasts, with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu saying that there were “strong signs” that the attacks were carried out by two bombers who blew themselves up.

According to a statement released by Davutoglu's office, 245 people were wounded in the attacks, 48 of whom are in critical condition.