Ukraine's foreign minister says dozens of Canadians were among the 176 passengers and crew killed in a plane crash just minutes after takeoff from Tehran.

Vadym Prystaiko says 63 Canadians, 82 Iranians, and 11 Ukrainians were on board.

There were also 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German and three British nationals.

Airline officials say most of the passengers were en route to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, transiting through there to other destinations.

Ukrainian and Iranian officials say they suspect a mechanical issue brought down the Boeing 737-800 aircraft.