New Details from the Interior Ministry's Investigations on Acid Attacks in Isfahan

An official from Iran's Ministry of Interior stated that in relation to the recent acid attacks in Isfahan, all individuals with criminal records, mentally ill patients, and owners of black motorcycles have been identified and investigated. Hossein Zolfaqari, the Deputy for Security and Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Interior, described the investigations by the responsible authorities regarding the recent events in Isfahan as 'unprecedented' and stated: 'The officials handling this case have had to expand their investigative scope... All individuals who have mental health issues or criminal backgrounds that could place them under suspicion have been examined, and all black motorcycles have been scrutinized, with their owners identified.' According to this Iranian official, 'the broad scope' created for investigating this case is now being narrowed down to identify suspects among all hypotheses and ultimately reach a definitive conclusion. Several weeks after the acid attacks on women in Isfahan, the Iranian government claims it cannot yet accuse anyone in this regard. However, Iranian police commanders emphasize that this incident cannot be a collective or organized act. During this time, many speculations have emerged linking the recent acid attacks to issues of hijab and morality enforcement, but Iranian officials vehemently deny this, insisting that the victims of the acid attacks are 'veiled women.' The Deputy for Security and Law Enforcement further stated that 'the atmosphere initially created around this incident' and media discussions have complicated crime detection efforts. Mr. Zolfaqari then emphasized that until a definitive result is achieved, speculation and possibilities should be avoided. He finally mentioned that intelligence and Revolutionary Guard forces are currently collaborating with law enforcement to uncover clues in this case. Meanwhile, members of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament had previously stated that the perpetrator is 'one step away from being apprehended' and will be 'easily and soon' arrested. In this context, acid attacks on women in Isfahan have led to various reactions, including a parliamentary representative stating that the acid attacks are not the work of Basijis or Hezbollah members, and the Friday Prayer leader of Isfahan reacting by stating he did not say warnings should go beyond verbal admonitions. Protests have occurred in Tehran and Isfahan against the 'indifference' to the acid attacks, and President Rouhani has ordered the acceleration of identifying the perpetrators, with three ministries responsible for following up. One acid attack victim pointed fingers at the judiciary, while a senior assistant to Rouhani claimed that the perpetrator is a mercenary of foreign services. Additionally, two journalists from ISNA were arrested in connection with the acid attack case, and some journalists covering the acid attacks have reported being 'threatened.' The National Security Commission of the Parliament stated that the acid attacks had personal motives.