Iran Urges Austria to Be More Careful in Protecting Diplomatic Facilities

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Bahram Qassemi said Tehran is in contact with Austrian officials over the recent raid on the Iranian diplomatic building.

“The assailant was around 26 years old and apparently had Austrian nationality, and no information is available regarding his identity and actions,” said the spokesman.

“We are in touch with Austrian officials in Vienna and Tehran, and I hope Austrian police and government authorities will be able to achieve the required outcome in the probe they launched last night, and [I hope] we’ll be able to receive a more precise report on the motive and identity of the attacker in the coming hours,” Qassemi said.

He also said he has contacted the Iranian ambassador in Austria.

“The residence of the Iranian ambassador in Austria was not damaged as a result of the incident, but based on the news we’ve received, the sentry at the residence of the Iranian ambassador in Austria was wounded and taken to hospital,” said the spokesman.

He noted there are speculations and word of mouth that the attacker was a foreigner, but had Austrian nationality.

“We have asked the Austrian government to look into the issue as soon as possible, and pay more attention to the protection of Iranian diplomatic locations in that country.”