Iran condemns new Charlie Hebdo issue as 'provocative'

Iran has condemned Charlie Hebdo's new issue as "provocative" and says the new cartoon by the weekly is an insult to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham says that today's publication of the paper featuring another cartoon "provokes the sentiments of Muslims the world over."

Iran has strongly condemned the deadly assault by two masked gunmen that killed 12 people last week, including much of the weekly's editorial staff and two police officers. Those who survived published an issue with a print run of 3 million, more than 50 times the usual circulation.

Afkham says last week's attack against the French satirical weekly was against Islam's teaching. But, she says, the latest cartoon is also insulting to the religion.