Iran and Hezbollah blame Israel for deadly Beirut attacks as Al-Qaeda claims responsibility

Hezbollah lawmaker Nawar al-Sahili said on Tuesday that those who oppose a “political solution to Syria” are behind the terrorist attacks. 

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham also accused the Israeli regime of being behind the deadly terrorist bombings. 

She strongly condemned the twin blasts and said the move was an “inhumane crime and a spiteful measure” by the Zionist Israeli regime and its mercenaries. 

The Iranian spokesperson also expressed sympathy with families of the victims of the attacks. 

“Since the blasts occurred near the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Embassy in Beirut, the Foreign Ministry will follow up on the issue with special care and resolve,” Afkham said.

She further rejected news reports about the death of Iran’s cultural attaché to Beirut, Ebrahim Ansari, in the blasts. 

“According to the latest information received from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Embassy in Beirut, Iran’s cultural attaché has been severely injured and is in critical condition,” Afkham stated.

At least 23 people were killed more than 140 injured in the explosions that struck near the Iranian Embassy in the southern neighborhood of Janah. 

According to Press TV sources, the first explosion took place when a bomber blew his explosives near the gate of the embassy, and the second blast happened just meters away when a car bomb went off. 

The death toll is expected to rise, as many of the wounded are in critical condition. 

The blasts have also caused damage to the Iranian Embassy and nearby buildings. 

Meanwhile, Abdullah Azzam Brigades, an al-Qaeda-linked group, has claimed responsibility for the twin bombings. 

The Syrian government has also condemned the terrorist attack.