Iran blames the Saudis for attacks
IRAN has blamed Saudi Arabia for Islamic State attacks on its parliament and the tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran.
The Fars news service in Iran reported that just hours before the pair of attacks, which killed at least 12 people, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir had said Iran needed to be punished for what he claimed was the country’s support for terrorist organisations.
Iran’s Deputy Interior Minister, Hossein Zolfaqari, said on state-run TV: “The assailants entered the parliament in women’s dress and through the special visitors’ gate, started the shooting spree and entered the area, causing fear and horror.”
IS claimed responsibility for the attacks and posted video from inside the parliament building.
“In the first minutes of the attack, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps forces entered the scene and gained control of the floor and main area of the parliament building,” Zolfaqari said.
Iran’s Health Ministry said 35 injured were taken to Tehran hospitals.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency said four hostages were taken in the parliament building and Iranian special forces ended the stand-off.
It is understood one of the attackers detonated a suicide vest as special forces approached.
Fars news agency said there were about four attackers at the shrine to the Ayatollah, with three shooting into a crowd of pilgrims as the third blew herself up outside a police facility.
At the parliament, Fars reported, one assailant was detained as he attempted to flee the building.
One of the parliament’s representatives reportedly told Fars the remaining assailants had been trapped in the offices of lawmakers.
A floor-by-floor police operation ended with the death of all terrorists.
Photos and video show people, including children, attempting to escape via the building’s windows as attackers shoot at police, bystanders and media.
The semi-official ISNA news agency said lawmakers and reporters were ordered to remain in place inside the chamber during the attack.