US President Barack Obama has strongly condemned an "outrageous terrorist attack" by a suicide bomber at a Shiite religious procession in Chabahar, Iran, which killed at least 39 people.
"I strongly condemn the outrageous terrorist attack on a mosque in Chabahar, Iran," Obama said in a written statement.
"The murder of innocent civilians in their place of worship during Ashura is a despicable offense, and those who carried it out must be held accountable. This is a disgraceful and cowardly act."
Obama said such acts recognized no religious, political, or national boundaries, adding that the United States condemned terrorism wherever it occurs.
"The United States stands with the families and loved ones of those killed and injured, and with the Iranian people, in the face of this injustice," he said.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
"This is yet another example of terrorists using cowardly methods to inflict pain and fear on innocent civilians," she said, adding the perpetrators must must "be held to account" for what they did.
"The United States condemns all forms of terrorism and sectarian-driven violence, wherever it occurs, and we stand with the victims of these abhorrent and reprehensible acts," the chief US diplomat said.
Jundallah, the shadowy Sunni rebel group that claimed the bombing, was in November added to a US blacklist of "terrorist" groups, a measure aimed at denying any financial or other support such a group has in the United States.
Despite a relationship of antagonism and mistrust with the Iranian leadership, the United States habitually condemns violence in Iran, both on its own terms, and apparently to head off accusations that it was in any way involved.
The bomber struck in a central square where worshippers were taking part in a procession marking the eve of the last day of a high point in the Shiite calendar.
Share
