The head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards says a Sunni rebel group, blamed for a deadly attack on the force, had ties with intelligence agencies from several countries and benefited from their protection. Iranian media reported that the armed forces' headquarters, issued a warning statement of revenge.

 

The Revolutionary Guards commander-in-chief said that American, British, and Pakistani intelligence services had supported the attack and there would have to be retaliatory measures to punish them.

Mahammad Ali Jafari, Commander-in-chief Iranian Revolutionary Guards, said, "Documents were submitted today by the country's security apparatus that indicate the vicious Abdolmalek Rigi group has direct ties with American, British and unfortunately Pakistani intelligence organizations and this person himself and his plans are undoubtedly under the umbrella and the protection of these organizations."

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urged his Pakistani counterpart in a telephone call on Monday to help hunt down those behind the attack. Ahmadinejad and Asif Ali Zardari stressed the necessity of joint cooperation in setting up a timetable with the intention of confronting and eradicating criminal terrorists.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said, "We were informed that some security agents in Pakistan are cooperating with the main elements of this terrorist incident, and we regard it as our right to demand these criminals."

Sunday's suicide bombing against the Revolutionary Guards killed 42 people,including two of its senior officers, the deadliest on the elite Guards in recent years. It also wounded dozens of other people ahead of a meeting with tribal chiefs. The planned talks were part of efforts to foster Shi'ite-Sunni unity.

Iranian media said the Sunni insurgent Jundollah group claimed responsibility for the bombing in southeastern Iran near Pakistan.