Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed condolences to the people of Afghanistan over the deaths and injuries caused by a recent earthquake in the country’s east. At least 622 people have died and 1,300 others were injured by a magnitude-6.0 earthquake that struck late Sunday night in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border. The earthquake’s epicenter was near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, in a message on Monday, Pezeshkian conveyed sympathy to the ‘friendly and brotherly nation of Afghanistan’ and reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s readiness to provide assistance. He said Iran was prepared to deliver humanitarian aid and carry out relief operations in affected areas. The president voiced hope that through solidarity and unity among the Afghan people, the situation in the quake-hit regions would return to normal as quickly as possible.

In a separate message, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy. He reaffirmed Iran’s full preparedness to deliver emergency aid, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance. The top diplomat said that Iran stands in solidarity with the Afghan people during this painful time and expressed hope that regional cooperation could help ease the suffering and overcome the catastrophe.

Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also said that Iranians extend their condolences to the Afghan nation, especially to the families affected in the provinces of Kunar, Nuristan, Nangarhar, and Laghman. He stated that Iran is prepared to offer any form of support to the Afghan government in its rescue and recovery operations. Baghaei also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and healing for those impacted by the disaster.