Zahedan: The Intelligence Ministry has strongly condemned the assassination of Molavi Yousef Gorgij, the Sunni prayer leader of the Mohammad Rasulollah Mosque in Zahedan, stating that the killing will not undermine national and religious unity.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the ministry issued a message following Gorgij's assassination, describing him as a prominent religious scholar and advocate of unity. Throughout his life, he worked to promote solidarity, national cohesion, Islamic brotherhood, and rapprochement among Islamic schools of thought. The ministry emphasized that the blood of a martyr serves as a beacon guiding the way toward the unity and solidarity of the Iranian nation.

The assassination was described as a 'bitter loss' for the people of Sistan and Baluchestan and all those committed to Iran's security, unity, and dignity. The ministry stressed that targeting such figures constitutes an attack not only on individuals but also on society's security, unity, and social capital. It vowed to continue efforts to identify and legally deal with those responsible for the assassination, including its perpetrators, masterminds, and supporters.

The ministry further stated that the path of the martyr in defending the discourse of the unity of the Islamic Revolution would continue. It asserted that terrorism could never silence the idea of unity; rather, it strengthens the Islamic approach of solidarity and brotherhood. The ministry also urged the Iranian people, particularly residents of Sistan and Baluchestan, not to allow the blood of those killed to become a pretext for division between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Gorgij was shot dead by unidentified armed men outside his home in Zahedan on Monday evening. He was known for his activities against divisive elements and Zionism.