Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed a "crushing" response to an attack that killed several senior commanders, state television said on Monday, as the death toll from the attack rose to 42. President Ahmadinejad reacted to the attack and demanded Pakistan eradicate Jundullah, which has taken responsibility for the bombing. "We have heard that certain officials in Pakistan cooperate with main agents of these terrorist attacks in eastern parts of the country. It is our right to ask (for extradition) of criminals," Ahmadinejad said after a Cabinet session on Sunday night.

In Pakistan, a Foreign Ministry spokesman condemned Sunday's suicide bombing in southeastern Iran near the Pakistani border and denied suggestions from Tehran that security agents in Pakistan were cooperating with the perpetrators. The attack took place in Sistan-Baluchestan province.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Basit told the Daily Times newspaper: "Pakistan is not involved in terrorist activities ... we are striving to eradicate this menace." Pakistan's Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the "ghastly act of terrorism" in Iran, his office said.

"At least 42 killed, dozens hurt in southeast Iran terrorist attack," Press TV, Iran's state English-language television station, said. It added tribal leaders and civilians were also among the victims and that the Guards had promised a "crushing response".

According to Reuters, Iranian officials also accused the United States and Britain of involvement.

© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)