A blast in a mosque in south-east Iran has killed at least 15 people and wounded 50, official media report.
A bomb in a mosque in south-east Iran has killed at least 15 people and wounded 50, the governor of Sistan-Baluchestan province said.
The explosion happened in Zahedan, capital of Sistan-Baluchestan province, which shares a border with Pakistan.
The explosion happened in Zahedan, the provincial capital, at the time of evening prayer, Ali Mohammad Azad told Iranian state TV.
It is often the scene of lawlessness, including clashes between police and drug dealers or militants.
The province 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.
Zahedan is a mainly Sunni Muslim city in a mostly Shia state.
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.
'Suicide attack'
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.
Part of the Amir al-Mohini mosque was destroyed, the official news agency Irna quoted an unnamed official as saying.
Fars news agency said that, according to witnesses, the incident was a suicide attack. The claim could not be verified.
Rescue teams were taking out the bodies of the dead and injured.
Thursday has been a public holiday marking the death of the Prophet Muhammad's daughter Fatima.
"The bomb exploded at the time of evening prayer and killed a number of worshippers," Mr Azad said.
"So far 15 people who were killed have been identified and 50 others have been wounded. They have been transferred to city hospitals."
Fars news agency quoted witnesses saying the incident had been a suicide attack. The report could not be verified.
Thursday was 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.
Sistan-Baluchestan, which borders Pakistan, is one of the most deprived regions in Iran.
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