China said on Thursday it was “deeply shocked” by twin bomb blasts that killed more than 100 people in Iran, with whom Beijing has close ties, AFP reports.

The two explosions on Wednesday — labelled a “terrorist attack” by Iran’s state media and regional authorities — sparked fears of a widening conflict in the region.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Beijing was “deeply shocked by the serious terrorist attack… which resulted in heavy casualties”.

“China opposes all forms of terrorism, strongly condemns terrorist attacks and firmly supports Iran’s efforts to maintain national security and stability,” he added.