News - Middle East: Iran has strongly condemned a terrorist bomb blast at a railway station in the city of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan, reiterating Tehran’s readiness for bilateral cooperation to counter terrorism.

At least 26 people were killed and more than 60 injured in the bombing on Saturday as passengers waited on a platform at the main railway station in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province.

The attack was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), one of the area's main militant groups. The group frequently claims deadly attacks against security forces or Pakistanis from other provinces, notably Punjabis.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Saturday said such terrorist attacks are in violation of all legal and human rights principles and rules and are “not acceptable at all.”

He added that Iran’s principled stance is based on severe condemnation of all forms of terrorism and violent extremism.

The Iranian spokesperson emphasized that all countries should improve cooperation and coordination at bilateral, regional and global levels to eliminate the ominous phenomenon of terrorism and noted that Iran is ready to take steps in this regard.

Baghaei expressed his sympathy with the bereaved families of the victims and those who survived the criminal act and offered Iran’s condolences to the government and nation of the friendly and neighboring country of Pakistan.

Terrorists have in the past targeted Pakistan's energy projects with foreign financing, most notably from China. 

In August, the BLA claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks by dozens of assailants who killed at least 39 people, one of the highest tolls to hit the region.

Press TV