In a statement on Friday night, Baqaei expressed his condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims of the crime and prayed to God for the health and recovery of those who were injured in the attack.

Recalling the principled position of Iran in firmly condemning all forms of terrorism and violent extremism, the spokesman emphasized the responsibility of all parties that, through various forms of illegal intervention --including violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the occupation of parts of the Arab country-- have provided the conditions for the continued existence, growth, and spread of terrorism and extremism.

He also called for the identification and punishment of both the perpetrators and those who ordered that heinous terrorist attack, and underscored the responsibility of Syria’s transitional government in this regard.

At least eight people ‍have been killed and more than 18 injured when an explosion ⁠struck the Alawite mosque ​in Syria’s Homs province.

The attack targeted the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs during Friday prayers.

The blast appeared to have taken place in the corner of the mosque’s main prayer hall, leaving a small crater in the wall and scorching the surrounding area, with prayer carpets ripped and strewn with debris, and books and fragments scattered across the floor.

Local officials said the blast ‌may have been ‌caused by ⁠a suicide bomber or explosives placed there.