IRGC Commander Condemns Assassination of Sunni Cleric in Sistan and Baluchestan

In a message released on Wednesday, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Chief Commander Major General Ahmad Vahidi extended his condolences to the family of Molavi Yousef Gorgij, as well as to the people of Sistan and Baluchestan province. Vahidi described the assassination as a "cowardly" act carried out by "mercenary terrorists," and stated that it is clear evidence of the desperation of the United States and the Zionist regime, as well as an obvious sign of their defeat in the face of the honorable people of Sistan and Baluchestan province.

Molavi Yousef Gorgij, a Sunni prayers leader, was assassinated by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday outside his home. The attack took place in Sistan and Baluchestan province, a region that has seen previous security incidents. The IRGC condemned the assassination and blamed "Zionist-American separatist groups" for the deadly attack.

The IRGC's statement framed the killing as part of a broader effort by external adversaries to destabilize the region. General Vahidi's message emphasized that such acts would not succeed in undermining the unity and resilience of the local population. The IRGC has previously accused foreign actors of attempting to incite sectarian tensions in border provinces.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the assassination. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The killing of a Sunni cleric in a predominantly Sunni area of Iran raises concerns about sectarian dynamics, though Iranian officials often attribute such attacks to external enemies seeking to sow discord.

Molavi Gorgij was known as a prayer leader in his community. His assassination follows a pattern of targeted killings in the region, which Iranian authorities have consistently linked to foreign intelligence agencies. The IRGC's swift condemnation underscores the sensitivity of the incident and the government's desire to present a unified front against perceived external threats.

According to Mehr News, the IRGC chief commander's message was released on Wednesday, a day after the assassination. The report added that the attack was carried out outside the cleric's home by unidentified gunmen, and that the IRGC blamed "Zionist-American separatist groups" for the deadly attack.