IRGC chief condemns assassination of Sunni cleric in southeastern Iran, vows retaliation
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)’s chief commander has condemned the assassination of a Sunni cleric in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, vowing that those responsible for the attack will face retribution.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Major General Ahmad Vahidi expressed condolences to the family of Molavi Yousef Gorgij, as well as Sunni and Shia religious scholars and the people of Sistan and Baluchestan, describing the assassination as a terrorist act.
Vahidi said the cleric’s efforts to promote religious unity, serve the public, and oppose the world’s front of arrogance would serve as a lasting example for religious scholars, community leaders, and young people.
Gorgij, the Sunni prayer leader of the Mohammad Rasoulallah Mosque in Zahedan, was assassinated by unidentified gunmen on Monday night. The attack took place outside his home.
In a statement following the attack, the IRGC said the United States and Israel are behind the “terrorist” assassination, saying the incident demonstrated their inability to confront the Iranian people, particularly the residents of Sistan and Baluchestan.
The IRGC said Gorgij had played a significant role in promoting religious and social cohesion in the province, describing him as a scholar who worked throughout his life to strengthen ties between different ethnic and religious communities and counter efforts to sow division.
It added that retaliation for the “brutal and cowardly” act of terror is “certain and inevitable.”
Gorgij’s assassination comes just several days after another religious figure, Kurdish cleric Mamosta Mohammad Nozhati, was assassinated in Iran’s northwestern province of West Azerbaijan.
No group or individual has claimed responsibility for either assassination, and investigations into both killings are ongoing.
Sistan and Baluchestan Province, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has historically faced security challenges, including occasional attacks by terrorist groups.
The province has a significant Sunni population, and religious leaders like Gorgij have played important roles in promoting interfaith harmony between Sunni and Shia communities.
Iran warns AI could become apparatus of ‘invisible dictatorship’ amid growing use in warfare
Pakistan says Makkah Defense Pact will not affect ties with Iran
IRGC Navy chief praises 200 nights of nationwide demonstrations
IRGC chief slams assassination of Sunni cleric in southeastern Iran, vows retaliation
Iran warns AI could become apparatus of ‘invisible dictatorship’ amid growing use in warfare
Iran inflicted ‘serious damage’ on US warships: General
VIDEO | Mass skepticism on Trump’s $5,000 ‘bribe’ for midterm elections
How Gaza's environmental catastrophe amid genocidal war boomeranged onto Israeli desalination plants
Iran downs 52nd US MQ-9 drone over Qeshm Island in latest blow
Saudi Red Sea oil shipments halted amid pipeline damage, war on Yemen
VIDEO | Israel’s targeting of Palestinian journalists constitutes crime against humanity: Analyst
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
