Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast has condemned the Libyan regime's clampdown on pro-democracy protesters.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran deems the Libyans' uprising and their rightful demands in line with the region's Islamic awakening, and follows the developments in the country with concern,” IRNA quoted Mehmanparast as saying in a statement on Feb 22.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry official expressed worries about the ongoing violence in Libya and called on the international community to put an end to the use of force against the civilian protesters.

“The news of aerial attacks on protesters, residential areas and mass killings of innocent people has caused concern and consternation. It is expected that international organizations and assemblies take immediate and effective measures to stop it (the violence)," said.

His comments were made in the wake of grim revelations by human rights groups which say as many as 400 pro-democracy protesters have so far been killed in the popular Libyan unrest.

Libya's ruler Muammar Gaddafi has deployed fighter jets to open fire on the demonstrators to stem the protests.

Witnesses say Gaddafi loyalists have used live rounds against protesters amid reports pointing to the arrival of planeloads of armed foreign mercenaries in the capital, Tripoli.