Tehran: An aide for Iran's president at ethnic, religious, and faith affairs has strongly condemned the assassination of a Sunni cleric in southeastern Iran, stating that terrorist groups and their supporters will not be able to undermine national unity.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Mahmoud Alavi, in a statement on Tuesday, condemned the killing of Molavi Mohammad Anvar Rigi, the Sunni Friday prayer leader in Mirjaveh, by the Jaish al-Adl terrorist group. Alavi emphasized, "Terrorist groups and their supporters should know that such crimes will never undermine the unity, solidarity, and fraternal coexistence of the Iranian people."

Rigi was targeted by unidentified gunmen early Monday while he was heading to a mosque to perform the morning prayer. He later succumbed to his injuries. Alavi described the attack as a "blind and inhumane" terrorist act aimed at creating insecurity, division, and undermining unity among Iran's ethnic and religious communities.

Expressing his condolences, Alavi extended his sympathies to Rigi's family, the people of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran's Sunni community, and the wider nation. He urged security and judicial authorities to identify and firmly punish those responsible for the attack, as well as its masterminds and supporters.