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Iran has fired missiles into eastern Syria , aiming at the bases of militant groups it holds responsible for recent attacks in Tehran which left 18 dead.

Footage posted online which appeared to show the missiles being launched was aired on state TV.

According to the report, Iranian Revolutionary Guards launched the mid-range ground-to-ground missiles from western Iran into the Deir al Zour region of eastern Syria, killing a "large number” of terrorists and destroying their equipment and weapons.

The missiles targeted the "headquarters and gathering centers of Takfiri terrorists supporting and building car bombs", it said.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

Military leaders and officials in Iran, a predominantly Shi'ite country, often refer to Sunni Muslim radicals as Takfiris.

The strike took place on Sunday evening.

Iran has backed embattled Syrian president Bashar Assad during the country's ongoing civil war.

The strike was reportedly in response for the attack in Tehran, according to the country's Tasnim news agency.

The attack last week, which included shootings and at least one suicide bombing, was on Iran's parliament and the shrine of Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

"The spilling of any pure blood will not go unanswered,” the Revolutionary Guards said in the statement quoted by Tasnim.

Islamic State issued a statement claiming responsibility for the Tehran attack.

Senior Iranian officials, however, have pointed a finger at Saudi Arabia, Iran's Sunni regional rival.