Two explosions targeting the Iranian embassy hit the Lebanese capital Beirut on Tuesday (November 19), security sources said, killing at least seven people and damaging buildings in the embassy compound.

It was not immediately clear whether the ambassador or any diplomatic staff were among the victims. No one at the embassy was reachable by phone.

It was not immediately clear what caused the blasts. A security source said the blasts were caused by two rockets fired on the area, in the southern part of the city, but a second security source said there was a car bomb explosion.

Lebanon has seen several explosions and street clashes in Beirut and the northern city of Tripoli linked to the 2-1/2-year conflict in neighbouring Syria.

There was no word on who was behind the blasts, but Syrian rebels have threatened to target President Bashar al-Assad's allies in neighbouring Lebanon.

Shi'ite Iran has been bank-rolling Assad's fight against the mainly Sunni rebels and has given military support. It also supports the Shi'ite Muslim guerrilla group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Southern Beirut is known as a Hezbollah stronghold and has been rocked with at least three other explosions this year.

Presented by Adam Justice