Blast in Iraq Foreign Ministry building

A powerful bomb blast has ripped through Iraq's Foreign Ministry compound in central Baghdad, destroying a section of the building.

There was no immediate word on casualties; however, given the intensity of the blast, it is likely to have resulted in deaths or injuries, an informed Iraqi source told Fars news agency on Tuesday.

According to the source, the bomb had been placed in an employee's car in the ministry's parking area.

Iraqi security forces have cordoned off the streets leading to the ministry and Baghdad's fortified Green Zone.

The source added that the Iraqi government withholds information pertaining to the blast due to the current circumstances governing the country.

Iraqi ambassador to Tehran has not confirmed the blast. Press TV