Iran Condemns Fatal Attack on Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Tehran

In a statement released on Friday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani categorically condemned an armed attack that has killed a staff member of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s embassy in Tehran this morning.

Expressing condolences and offering his deepest sympathy to the family of the victim and to the Republic of Azerbaijan’s government and nation, the spokesman said, “The (Iranian) law enforcement and security forces took action immediately and arrested the assailant, who is being interrogated.”

Kanaani said the Iranian political and security authorities have issued a “special order” to investigate the case as a high priority with sensitivity in order to ascertain the aspects of the incident and the assailant’s motive.

The initial investigation conducted by the authorities and organizations in charge suggests that “personal motives” have been behind the attack, he added, advising the media outlets to avoid speculations and releasing unconfirmed stories about the case considering that the Iranian law enforcement, security and judicial organizations have begun immediately to address the issue.

Further and more accurate information surrounding the shooting attack will be released later, he added.

One person has been killed and two others injured after an assailant opened fire at the embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Tehran on Friday morning.

Commander of Tehran’s Police General Hossein Rahimi said the assailant entered the embassy building with a firearm and opened fire at the site.

During the initial interrogation process, the assailant has cited “personal and family problems” as the motive behind the shooting attack, the police chief added.

The Republic of Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the attacker broke through the guard post, killing the head of security with a Kalashnikov assault rifle.