Deadly Courthouse Attack in Zahedan Leaves Nine Dead, Jaish al-Adl Claims Responsibility

Nine people, including three attackers, were killed and at least 20 others injured in an armed assault on a courthouse in the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan on Saturday, according to state media reports.

Gunmen stormed the judiciary building in Sistan and Baluchestan province, opening fire inside court offices before targeting civilians outside, Fars News Agency reported. The attack triggered chaos, with security forces rushing to evacuate court staff and visitors amid gunfire and a loud explosion from inside the building. The cause of the explosion remains unconfirmed, though local sources have speculated about a possible suicide bombing.

The rights organization Haalvsh reported that the assailants entered through Azadi Street and headed directly for the judges’ offices. Eyewitnesses said several judiciary employees and members of the security forces were among the casualties. The area remains under tight security lockdown.

The armed Sunni group Jaish al-Adl has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group, linked to Iran’s Baluch minority, had recently vowed revenge over the execution of Baluch prisoners in Iranian prisons.

Sistan and Baluchestan province has witnessed a sharp increase in executions this year. According to Iran Human Rights (IHR), at least 343 executions took place in the first four months of 2025—a 75% rise compared to the same period last year. Nearly one-third of all executions in April involved Baluch prisoners, including four men executed on April 30. Rights groups have warned that 85 Baluch inmates in Zahedan Central Prison could also face execution.

Jaish al-Adl, which has previously carried out deadly attacks on Iranian security forces, is designated a terrorist organization by both Iran and the United States. The group continues to target military and government positions in a province long marked by unrest and armed opposition.