Strong earthquake hits Iraq and Iran, killing at least 168

BAGHDAD/ANKARA – At least 168 people were killed in Iraq and Iran on Sunday when a powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit the region, state media in the two countries said, as rescuers searched for dozens trapped under rubble.

At least 164 people were killed in Iran, Behnam Saeedi, a spokesman for Iran's National Disaster Management Organization, said on the state television. More than 1,650 were injured, he said.

Officials expected the casualty toll to rise when search and rescue teams reached remote areas of Iran.