A blast in a mosque in south-east Iran has killed at least 15 people and wounded 50, official media report.
A blast in a mosque in south-east Iran has killed at least 15 people and wounded 50, official media report.
The explosion happened in Zahedan, capital of Sistan-Baluchestan province, which shares a border with Pakistan.
The explosion happened in Zahedan, capital of Sistan-Baluchestan province, which shares a border with Pakistan.
It is often the scene of lawlessness, including clashes between police and drug dealers or militants.
It is often the scene of lawlessness, including clashes between police and drug dealers or militants.
Sistan-Baluchestan is one of the most deprived areas of Iran and Zahedan, a mainly Sunni Muslim city in a mainly Shia state, is a particular flashpoint.
Sistan-Baluchestan is one of the most deprived areas of Iran and Zahedan, a mainly Sunni Muslim city in a mainly Shia state, is a particular flashpoint.
The official news agency Irna quotes an unnamed official saying part of the Amir al-Mohini mosque was destroyed and rescue teams were taking out the bodies of the dead and injured.
The official news agency Irna quotes an unnamed official saying part of the Amir al-Mohini mosque was destroyed and rescue teams were taking out the bodies of the dead and injured.
State television did not air any footage of the incident, but quoted the provincial governor general as saying the blast was caused by a bomb.
Fars news agency said that, according to witnesses, the incident was a suicide attack. The claim could not be verified.
Thursday has been a public holiday marking the death of the Prophet Muhammad's daughter Fatima.
Thursday has been a public holiday marking the death of the Prophet Muhammad's daughter Fatima.
Although it occurred in a remote region, the explosion comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity nationally, with just over two weeks before the first round of the presidential election.
Although it occurred in a remote region, the explosion comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity nationally, with just over two weeks before the first round of the presidential election.
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