TEHRAN, Iran – The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the devastating attacks that took the lives of nearly 100 people in Iran, according to the group’s announcement on the messaging app Telegram.

The attacks targeted the Iranian parliament and the mausoleum of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This marks the first time the Sunni extremist group has carried out an attack in Iran. The assailants were armed with assault rifles and suicide vests, which they used to carry out the coordinated assault.

The violence has shocked the Iranian capital, as such attacks are rare in the country. The Iranian government has blamed Saudi Arabia for the attacks, saying that the kingdom supports terrorist groups operating in the region. However, Saudi Arabia has denied any involvement in the attacks.

The Islamic State’s claim of responsibility indicates a worrying shift in the group’s tactics and capabilities. The fact that they were able to carry out such a brazen attack in the heart of the Iranian capital raises concerns about the security situation in the region.

The attacks in Tehran have left nearly 100 people dead and many more injured, as the Iranian authorities work to piece together the events and identify those responsible for the violence. This marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and the Islamic State, and has raised fears of further violence in the region.