In Shiraz, a shrine attack left at least 15 people dead and about 40 wounded this Wednesday, according to Iranian official media reports. The incident unfolded at the Shahcheragh shrine as visitors gathered for a daytime visit, deepening concerns about safety in religious sites across the country.
Esmaeil Mohebbipour, the deputy governor of the region, told the official IRNA news agency that the attacker opened fire on people at the shrine during the afternoon. He noted that the assailant was wounded and subsequently arrested as security forces closed in. Earlier IRNA reports had suggested that multiple attackers might have been involved, though these details evolved as the investigation continued.
Eyewitnesses cited by IRNA described a scene in which a male assailant arrived at the temple in a vehicle, stepped inside the religious complex, and opened fire on those inside before attempting to flee. The account underlined the shock and confusion that gripped worshippers and staff on the crowded day, when many people traditionally visit the shrine on Wednesdays.
State media outlets also reported an assertion by Nour News, a media organization affiliated with the Supreme National Security Council, that the attacker did not come from within Iran. The authorities emphasized the seriousness of the incident and the need for ongoing security measures at holy sites.
In the local cultural context, Wednesdays draw large crowds to Shahcheragh, making the attack especially devastating for families and communities who visit the shrine for daily prayers and spiritual reflection. The response from local authorities included assurances that security would be tightened to prevent further incidents, while investigators worked to establish the attacker’s motive and any affiliations.
Protests in Iran
The shooting occurred amid a broader wave of demonstrations that has gripped Iran since the previous day. The protests have followed the death of Mahsa Amini after her arrest by moral police on September 16 for allegedly violating the Islamic veil rules. The movement drew wide attention from citizens across the country and around the world, fueled by calls for greater personal freedoms and governmental reforms.
Thousands took to the streets on Wednesday to mark the 40th day since Amini’s death, a moment that has become a symbolic deadline for many families and protesters. The demonstrations have been characterized largely by youthful participation and chants that echo through city squares and university centers as people express a desire for change.
Participants in the protests have voiced slogans such as Woman, Life, Freedom and challenged the symbols of the Islamic Republic. There have been reports of women leading the demonstrations, removing head coverings in public spaces, and burning veils as a provocative act of protest. The police response has varied across regions, with some cities reporting heavy-handed crackdowns and others witnessing tense standoffs between security forces and demonstrators.
Human rights organizations have provided grim tallies of casualties since the unrest began, highlighting the high human cost of the ongoing crackdown. The Oslo-based NGO Iran Human Rights has documented deaths and injuries, underscoring the international concern over the crackdown and the broader implications for civil liberties within the country. The situation has drawn international attention and sparked a debate about the balance between security and rights in a country undergoing intense social and political strain.