Iran FM vows to pursue justice for diplomats killed in Mazar-i-Sharif

On Saturday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement commemorating the 28th anniversary of the martyrdom of eight Iranian diplomats and a journalist in a terrorist attack on Iran's Consulate General in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. The attack occurred on August 8, 1998, when armed terrorists stormed the consulate building, killing eight staff members and an IRNA correspondent.

The martyred diplomats were identified as Heidar-Ali Bagheri, Mohammad-Ali Ghiyasi, Majid Nouri Niaraki, Nasser Rigi, Noorollah Norouzi, Karim Heydarian, Rashid Pariyav Fallah, and Mohammad-Nasser Naseri. The journalist was Mahmoud Saremi, a correspondent for the Islamic Republic of Iran News Agency (IRNA).

The ministry described the attack as a "heinous crime" and a "flagrant violation of diplomatic and consular rights," emphasizing that the gravity of the incident cannot be diminished by the passage of time. It stressed the need to shed light on all aspects of the terrorist crime, including identifying the perpetrators and masterminds, and ensuring justice.

The statement also extended congratulations on Journalists' Day, which coincides with the anniversary. The ministry vowed to use every opportunity and avenue available to pursue the matter and bring those responsible to justice.

According to Mehr News Agency, the statement reaffirmed Iran's commitment to pursuing the case through all available legal and international channels.