A blast has rocked a religious center in the southwestern Iranian city of Shiraz, injuring at least 160 people and killing 10 others.

The explosion happened about 15 minutes before a speech by a highly revered provincial cleric ended.

"I saw people screaming and rushing out of the scene," said a woman who survived the blast, adding that the explosion took place in the men's section of the mosque.

According to Fars News Agency, the blast was heard within 1.5 kilometers of the scene of the incident, shattering windows throughout the neighborhood.

Deputy Governor of Fars province, Mohammad-Reza Hadaeq, said local police have launched an investigation into the incident, adding that no group has claimed responsibility for the blast yet.

MT/CS/RE/MRD/MMN