All 40 passengers on an Iranian passenger jet were reported dead Sunday when it crashed shortly after take-off near Teheran's airport, the Irna news agency reported, citing the Iran Red Crescent Society.

Engine problems were cited. The aeroplane belonged to Taban Airlines. An investigative team was on its way to the site

The plane was departing Teheran's Mehrabad airport on its way to Tabas, in the country's east, at 9.45am (1.15pm Malaysian time).

Of the 40 dead,  seven were reportedly children.

- dpa