US condoles with Iranians over fatal plane crash

The United States has extended condolences to the families of the victims of a recent Iranian passenger plane crash in the capital, Tehran.

“On behalf of the US government, we wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives,” US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf said on Monday.

This comes as Iran has been under the US sanctions based on which international companies are banned from selling aircraft or their spare parts to Iran.

An Iranian passenger plane crashed on Sunday, moments after takeoff from the Tehran Mehrabad International Airport. At least 39 people died and nine others were seriously injured.

The Antonov An-140, a turboprop regional airliner operated by Sepahan Air, was traveling from Tehran to the northeastern desert city of Tabas. Forty-eight people, among them several children, were on board the plane when it smashed into the ground and burst into flames upon impact.