MNA– Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed sympathy with the bereaved families of 7.3 magnitude earthquake which struck Sunday night about 64 miles (103km) southeast of the city of Sulaymaniyah, near the Iraq-Iran border.

The earthquake has left devastating damage to Kermanshah province, leaving at least 243 people dead in Sarpol-e Zahab, about 15km (10 miles) from the border. The number of fatalities is feared to rise.

He expressed sorrow and deep grief over the deadly incident in Iran and Iraq; “for those who have lost their lives, I seek forgiveness from the Lord, and ask the Almighty mercy for patience and health for those fellow Iranians who lost their beloved ones.”