TEHRAN (FNA) - Iran sent a message of sympathy and an offer of aid to Italy for a Monday earthquake that killed over 150 people in the center of the country.

In his message to his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini, Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki expressed the Iranian nation’s sympathy with the Italy and offered his country’s condolences to the Italian people, government and the families of the victims.
A quake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale jolted central Italy early Monday, killing over 150 people and injuring 1,500 others.
According to press tv, Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki also said in his message that Tehran was ready to send relief aid to the quake-hit area.
The strong quake centered in the medieval city of L’Aquila was Italy’s deadliest quake in nearly three decades.
It destroyed several buildings and damaged historic churches and other heritage sites.
Tens of thousands are reportedly homeless and many are still trapped in buildings.
Rescuers have pulled a total of 60 survivors from collapsed buildings.
The number of deaths is expected to rise.