Iran, world condemn deadly terror attack in London

Armed police officers arrive at The Shard in the London Bridge quarter in London on June 4, 2017, following a terror attack. (Photo by AFP)

Condemnations are pouring in from across the world after a terrorist attack in London claimed the lives of at least seven people and sent nearly 50 others to hospitals.

The deadly incident occurred late on Saturday night after terrorists aboard a van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and then stabbed many others in the Borough Market area of bars and restaurants.

Three men, believed to be the attackers, were shot by police at Borough Market.

‘Wake-up call to world’

On Sunday, Iran condemned the terror attack in the heart of Britain and said the hike in such incidents around the world is a “wake-up call” for the entire international community.

In a statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi called on certain states to stop “pursuing their short-term political and economic goals, which seem to be strategic, in favor of security for their citizens as well as the entire world.”

“To uproot terror, it is necessary that they [those states] address the root causes as well as main financial and ideological sources of extremism and violence, which are clear to everyone,” he added. 

Debris and abandoned cars remain on London at the scene of an apparent terror attack in central London on June 3, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Qassemi said the only way to end terrorism is for all world countries “to play an honest and responsible part in the global wave against terrorism and extremism free from any double standard.”

Paris, Berlin ‘at Britain’s side’

German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered condolences to the victims and their families, saying that Germany was “resolutely at Britain’s side” after the attack in London.

“Today we are united across borders in horror and mourning, but also in determination,” Merkel said in a statement. “For Germany, I reiterate that in the fight against all forms of terrorism, we are resolutely at Britain’s side.”

“At this time, I am thinking of our British friends and everyone in London with solidarity and compassion,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron, the new French president, also said his country stood “more than ever at Britain’s side” following attacks in central London.

“My thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones,” Macron said in a Tweet.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was following the latest incidents in London “with horror,” adding, “Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe.”

Putin offers condolences

Russian President Vladimir Putin also denounced the fatal attack and expressed “his profound condolences” to the British people, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies.

“This crime shocks with its cruelty and cynicism,” Putin was quoted as saying in a telegram to British Prime Minister Theresa May.

“The Russian president expressed his certainty that the common response to what has happened should be an increase in combined efforts in the fight against the forces of terror around the world,” the Kremlin said.

Police and members of the emergency services attend to victims of a terror attack on London Bridge in central London on June 3, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Canada, Australia ‘stand by Britain’

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slammed the deadly incidents and expressed solidarity with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London.

“Awful news from London tonight. We’re monitoring the situation,” Trudeau said on Twitter.

During a reception with parliamentary press, Trudeau added that, “Canadians stand united in sending our love and support to our friends in London.”

Condemning the terrorist attacks, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said his “prayers and resolute solidarity” were with the British people.

The incident comes days ahead of a June 8 election and less than two weeks after another terrorist attack left 22 people dead and scores of others injured at a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester in northern England.  

It was the deadliest act of terror in Britain in over a decade.