Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said in a letter to his Iranian counterpart Ali Akbar Salehi that he was "shocked" by the news of the disastrous twin quakes on Saturday.

"I extend my deep sympathies to the people who have lost their loved ones and belongings during the holy month of Ramazan," Westerwelle wrote in the letter released by his office.

"I wish the injured a quick recovery. Rest assured that Germany stands ready to help your country in this difficult time."

Germany is one of six world powers working to convince Iran to abandon sensitive nuclear work amid Western fears that Tehran is seeking a weapons capability. Iran insists its nuclear programme has strictly peaceful aims.