Blasts Targeting Official Sites in Iran Kill 1

Mortars struck a publishing house Saturday evening in central Tehran, near key government buildings such as the Iranian president’s office and parliament. One person was killed and four injured, Iranian television reported.

Windows of the Golbang publishing house, located across the street from the judiciary building and top policymaking offices, were shattered and its walls pocked and broken in areas.

Two cars parked in front were destroyed in the attack. An Iranian opposition group trying to overthrow the Islamic government claimed responsibility.

“We heard several explosions, and it was just like the war,” said publishing house manager Abolghasem Hosseini, referring to the 1980-88 war between Iran and Iraq. “And the next thing I remember, everything was upside-down.”

The official Islamic Republic News Agency did not provide details about the number or nature of the blasts, which it described as a “terrorist attack.” Tehran television said five explosions occurred.

The only government building damaged was the headquarters of the office that coordinates Friday prayers.

The blasts killed Mohammed Alijani, a 29-year-old employee at the publishing house, and injured four people, Tehran television said.

Tehran television said the explosions were the work of “the hypocrites,” a reference to the Moujahedeen Khalq opposition group. The Iraqi-based group seeks the overthrow of Iran’s Islamic government.

In a statement faxed to the Associated Press in Cairo, the group claimed responsibility for the attack, which it said targeted the home and office of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Government offices in the area include those of President Mohammad Khatami and the parliament.