U.S. denies any role in mosque bombing

WASHINGTON, May 29 (UPI) -- A State Department spokesman denied Iranian claims Friday that the United States and Israel were behind the bombing of a mosque.

Ian Kelly, talking to reporters at the daily briefing, said recent terrorist attacks like the one Thursday that killed 25 people in southern Iran targeted Shiite mosques, The Hill reported. He said Shiite targets had been hit in Iraq and Pakistan as well.

"The U.S. strongly condemns all forms of terrorism," Kelly continued. "We do not sponsor any form of terrorism in Iran. And we continue to work with the international community to try to prevent any attacks against innocent civilians anywhere."

Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami said during Friday prayers clues "were discernible" of U.S. and Israeli involvement, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported. The Iranian government suggested the two countries wanted to increase violence between Shiites and Sunnis, who are a minority in Iran.

President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have been trying to open a dialogue with Iran.