The attacks, which injured about 160 people, is said to have targeted foreign embassies.

One of the bombs struck right near the Iranian embassy in Mansour district, affecting the Egyptian, Syrian and German missions. One exploded near the offices of a leading pro-Iranian political figure, Ahmed Chalabi.

The bombings shattered a period of relative calm after last month's parliamentary elections.

Noone has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

One day earlier, 25 people were killed when gunmen attacked houses in a Sunni village near the capital.