On April 10, the United States offered aid to Iran one day after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit the country’s south. The quake hit within 60 miles of Bushehr, a town on the Persian Gulf coast that is home to Iran’s nuclear power plant. Iranian officials claimed that the plant was not damaged. Bushehr’s provincial governor told state television that at least 37 people had died, and 850 were injured. The following is the full text of the statement by National Security Council Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden, and a remark by State Department Acting Deputy Spokesperson Patrick Ventrell.
April 10 Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden
The American people extend condolences to the people of Iran for the devastation that resulted from the recent earthquake and aftershocks in southern Iran, particularly to those whose loved ones were injured or lost their lives. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the destruction that’s been caused by this disaster, and stand ready to help the Iranian people in this time of need.
April 9 Remark by Patrick Ventrell at the Daily State Department Press Briefing
We have seen the reports of an earthquake and are monitoring the situation. We understand this was near Bushehr. We refer you to the IAEA for further comment. I think they put out a statement already, given that there was – part of Iran’s nuclear program is near there. But our understanding is that – we do send our condolences to those who lost loved ones, and we understand there are some casualties.