Al-Arabiya quotes Syrian opposition sources as saying Iranian diplomat murdered in Syrian capital. Report could not be confirmed; no additional details available

Syrian opposition elements say that an Iranian diplomat has been assassinated in Damasucs, Al-Arabiya reported Wednesday. The report could not be confirmed. No additional details were immediately available.

Tehran denied the report. Hussein Sheikh al-Islam, the former Iranian ambassador in Damascus said that all Iranian diplomats in Syria "are alive and well." He was quoting the Iranian Ambassador to Syria, Mohammad Sheibani.

The report comes some three weeks after a attack in Damascus killed four top Syrian officials including President Bashar Assad´s brother- in-law Assef Shawkat, and Syrian Defense Minister Dawoud Rajih.

The Free Syrian Army claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last week, the Fars news agency reported that Syrian authorities arrested the terrorist behind the attack who they identified as a security guard for members of Assad´s closest circle.

Meanwhile, the Syrian army continues to pound the city of Aleppo with airstrikes and artillery fire. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 08/01/12)