Iran has condemned killings in Houla, blaming them on "terrorist actions" and calling for the perpetrators to be punished.

Iran "condemns the terrorist actions in the Houla area in Homs in Syria. The killing of a number of innocent people in the area has distressed the Islamic nations," the foreign ministry said in a statement relayed by official media.

It denounced the "suspect act" and urged authorities "to identify and punish those responsible."

Iran is an ally of the Syrian government and the statement appeared to place the blame for the Houla massacre on Syrian
rebels.