Iran attacks: Revolutionary Guards swipe at Saudis for Tehran …
At least 12 people were killed when six attackers mounted simultaneous gun and suicide bomb assaults on Iran's Parliament building and the tomb of the republic's revolutionary founder, in one of the most audacious assaults to hit Tehran in decades. The targets were highly symbolic.
The ISIS media wing, Amaq, claimed "fighters with the Islamic State" carried out the assault. It was the first time that ISIS, a Sunni Muslim group fighting Iranian-backed militias in Syria, has claimed responsibility for an attack in Iran, which is predominantly Shiite.
"World public opinion, especially in Iran, sees the fact that this terrorist act was perpetrated soon after the meeting of the US president with the heads of one of the reactionary regional states that has always supported ... terrorists as to be very meaningful," the statement read, according to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency.
The statement did not explicitly name Saudi Arabia, but the implication was clear. It continued to say that the as ISIS's claim of responsibility for the attacks showed the country's "complicity in this wild move."
Trump issued a written statement saying he felt for Iranian civilians, but the government has itself to blame for the attack.
"We grieve and pray for the innocent victims of the terrorist attacks in Iran, and for the Iranian people, who are going through such challenging times," Trump said. "We underscore that states that sponsor terrorism risk falling victim to the evil they promote."
The Revolutionary Guards' accusation comes at a time of heightened Saudi-Iranian tensions following a regional rift with Qatar.
The Emir's alleged comments appeared on Qatar's official news agency, but Qatar said the website was hacked and the report fabricated by the culprits.
Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shiite-majority Iran have had strained relations throughout their history and have stood on opposing sides of a sectarian feud for more than 1,000 years.
The attack shocked Tehran: Until now, Iran has largely escaped the regular assaults launched against other participants in Syria's civil war. In a region plagued by sectarian violence, residents of the capital have lived in a peaceful oasis.
The violence began at about 10 a.m. local time (2 a.m. ET) when gunmen apparently dressed as women stormed the main gate of the Parliament building in central Tehran and opened fire, Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Hossein Zolfaghari told state television.
The attackers took a number of hostages and at least one detonated a suicide bomb. Sporadic gunfire was heard before Iranian authorities declared the situation under control about four hours later. All four attackers were killed by security forces, Fars reported.
At the same time as the Parliament attack was launched, a shooting spree and suicide bombing targeted the Ayatollah Khomeini mausoleum about 25 kilometers (15 miles) away, on the southern outskirts of the Iranian capital. Fars reported that one person was arrested at the tomb.
Gruesome video footage from inside Iran's Parliament during the attack was published by Amaq and appears to have been filmed on a phone by one of the gunmen.
The video opens by showing a quick shot of a man carrying an assault-style rifle walking out of an office, while a bloodied body of a man lies on the office floor. Shots are then fired either at or near the body, even though it appears the victim is already dead.
Iran's counterterrorism unit said that several "terrorist groups" had entered Tehran, though it did not say where they were from. Members of another group had been apprehended.
The speaker of the Parliament, Ali Larijani, attempted to play down the attack, describing it as a "minor issue."
"As you know, some coward terrorists infiltrated a building ... but they were seriously confronted," he said in a statement.
"This is a minor issue but reveals that the terrorists pursue trouble-making."
The attackers chose symbolically significant targets for their assault. The tomb houses the body of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Islamic Republic's founder and first supreme leader, and it is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. He led the revolution that overthrew the Shah in 1979 and was supreme leader for 10 years.
The Parliament, the Islamic Consultative Assembly or Majlis, is Iran's principal legislative body. It has 290 members, including women, and there are representatives of religious minorities including Christians, Zoroastrians and Jews.
Gun ownership is heavily controlled in Iran, raising speculation that the attackers smuggled weapons into the country.
Iran -- which is more than 90% Shiite -- has been involved in military actions against Sunni terrorist groups such as ISIS, who regard Shiites as apostates, but such terror attacks in the country are rare.
CNN's James Griffiths, Carol Jordan, Karen Smith, Alireza Hajihosseini and Madison Park contributed reporting.
Read more from the original source:
Iran attacks: Revolutionary Guards swipe at Saudis for Tehran ...
- New Zealand reimposes sanctions on Iran over nuclear non-compliance - Fine Day 102.3 - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Iran: UN member states must urgently press authorities to halt executions after horrifying increase - Amnesty International - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Former guard at US embassy in Norway convicted of spying for Russia and Iran - Euronews.com - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- UK facing growing threat from Russia, Iran, and terrorists, MI5 chief says - Reuters - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- John Bolton charged with sharing classified info in emails hacked by Iran-linked actor - The Times of Israel - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Families of French citizens imprisoned in Iran for spying say loved ones have 'reached the limit' - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- China and Iran After the 12-Day War - RealClearDefense - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- A former security guard at the US Embassy in Norway is convicted of spying for Russia and Iran - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Turkey wants to replace Iran and encircle Israel - JNS.org - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- French couple held as prisoners in Iran at the end of their tether, relative says - The Times of Israel - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Iranian Arab Citizen Killed in Custody of Ahvaz Intelligence Amid Unprecedented Wave of Executions and Hunger Strikes in Ghezel Hesar Prison -... - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Iran remains central to any lasting peace in the Middle East - - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Iran has not given IAEA access, reports on nuclear sites - WSJ - - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- After Years in the Dark, Iran's Tankers Switch AIS Transponders Back On - The Maritime Executive - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Former security guard at US Embassy overseas is convicted of spying for Russia and Iran - Fox News - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Norway sentences US embassy guard who spied for Iran and Russia to protest Gaza war - The Times of Israel - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- France Angry at Arbitrary Prison Sentences Against Citizens in Iran - Algemeiner.com - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Iran says 'unjust' Western sanctions mar Tehran's ties with other nations - - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Half the Answer #42: America and Iran: Past, Present and Future - Liberal Currents - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Lives at risk of French couple jailed by Iran: families - AL-Monitor - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Ex-US embassy guard in Norway convicted of spying for Russia, Iran - Euractiv - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Khamenei Representative Calls for Seizing Properties of Baha'is in Iran - IranWire - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Polish FMs role at display of shot-down Shahed drone angers Iran - TVP World - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Disrupting the Iran-Houthi Supply Line - The Defense Post - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- UK Facing Growing Threat From Russia, Iran, and Terrorists, MI5 Chief Says - Algemeiner.com - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Former US Embassy guard who spied for Russia and Iran jailed - The Independent - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Hamas Representative In Iran Khaled Qaddoumi: The Weapon Is The Soul Of The Resistance Disarmament Proposals Are Nothing Serious; Al-Qassam Brigades... - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Arab indicted for passing sensitive information to Iran during June operation - Israel National News - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- The Autumn of the Ayatollahs: What Kind of Change Is Coming to Iran? - Foreign Affairs - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- The Potential Terror Infrastructure of Iran and Hezbollah in Southern Syria Is Deployed Across Dozens of Localities - Alma Research and Education... - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Iran: French paid sentenced to prison time on spying charges - BBC - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Trump sets sights on peace with Iran as he hails end of Gaza war - The Guardian - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Iran says hijab laws remain in force amid debate over enforcement | Iran International - - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Iran accuses US of 'hostile and criminal behavior,' says Trump's call for dialogue inconsistent - The Times of Israel - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- US is ready for deal with Iran when Tehran is, Trump says - Reuters - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Iran accuses US of criminal behavior, says Trumps call for dialogue inconsistent - The Times of Israel - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Baha'i Woman Arrested in Northern Iran - IranWire - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Iran News in Brief October 15, 2025 - National Council of Resistance of Iran - NCRI - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Who are the only two French nationals detained in Iran? - France 24 - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Undoing North Korea's Nuclear Program: Iran is not a Blueprint - Toda Peace Institute - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Iran out in the cold as Mideast unites around Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal - The Times of Israel - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Video What role will Iran play in the future of the Middle East? - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Iran's Crackdown on Rap: Young Artists Arrested for Songs of Protest - IranWire - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Iran has Imposed Heavy Sentences on Two French Citizens - kurdistan24.net - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- The strategic strangulation of Iran - Washington Times - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- The Birth, Weakening and Death of the Iran Nuclear Deal - politicstoday.org - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Iran to Impose Death Penalty if Caught Using Starlink to Spy - Broadband Breakfast - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Are Iran Nuclear Negotiations Back On The Table? OpEd - Eurasia Review - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Large-headed sea creature with tiny teeth caught in Iran. Its a new species - Miami Herald - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Analysis: Iran is out in the cold as the Mideast unites in support of the Gaza ceasefire - AP News - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Analysis: Iran is out in the cold as the Mideast unites in support of the Gaza ceasefire - AP News - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Iran says it declined invitation to attend Trump-led Mideast peace summit - - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Iran declines invitation to attend summit in Egypt - The Times of Israel - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Iran says it's grateful but refuses to engage with counterparts who as it snubs Sisis Gaza peace summit invite - Mint - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Iran dismisses possibility of joining Abraham Accords, normalizing ties with Israel - The Times of Israel - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Araghchi: We Wont Engage with Those Who Attack and Sanction Iran - WANA News Agency - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Irans Economic Collapse Is Fueled by the Regimes Political Choices, Not Sanctions - National Council of Resistance of Iran - NCRI - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Iran dismisses Trump's suggestion of normalising ties with Israel as 'wishful thinking' - Reuters - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Lindsey Graham Says Keeping 'Iran In A Box' Is Key To Preserving Progress In The Middle East, Trump Ally Warns Tehran Is The 'Common Thread' -... - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Air Superiority in the Twenty-First Century: Lessons from Iran and Ukraine - CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Israel doesnt want war: Iran says Russia relayed Netanyahus message; raises doubt over Gaza ceasefire - The Times of India - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Sanctions have limits; Iran is demonstrating that - Tehran Times - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Lebanon rejects $60 million Iran aid offer over sanctions fears, envoy says - - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Iran says was invited to Gaza summit in Egypt, without confirming attendance - Middle East Eye - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- The Gendered Dimensions of the Water Crisis in Iran: Impacts on Womens Health, Livelihoods, and Security - NCRI Women Committee - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Iran News in Brief October 12, 2025 - National Council of Resistance of Iran - NCRI - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Iran says will never join Trump's 'treacherous' Israel normalization deals - - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Iran suspends all cooperation with atomic energy watchdog - Azerbaycan24 - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Sanctions Shockwave: Treasury Hits Cartels, Iran Oil, And Militia Cash - MyChesCo - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- FM Araghchi holds telephone conversation with Pakistani counterpart - Islamic Republic of Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Iran saw its entire 'axis of resistance' crumble in two years, says Eugene Kontorovich - yahoo.com - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- Trump Gives Update on Possible Peace With Iran - Newsweek - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Goals and highlights: Russia 2-1 Iran in the international friendly - VAVEL.com - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- The Iran Challenge Is Big. The Solution Must Be Bigger. - Foreign Policy - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- New US sanctions target 50 people, companies and ships for allegedly aiding Iran's oil and gas trade - AP News - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Iran: 30 Executions on Oct 78, Eve of World Day Against the Death Penalty - National Council of Resistance of Iran - NCRI - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Assessing Health Technology Implementation in Iran: A Political Insight - Bioengineer.org - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Irans Regime Turns Long-Running Repression into Law With Counter-Infiltration Bill - National Council of Resistance of Iran - NCRI - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Its Not Acceptable That Everyone Uses the Strait of Hormuz Except Iran - WANA News Agency - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Iran bets on petroleum products for sanctions-busting profits - - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]