Iran Parliament, Shrine Targeted in Deadly Twin Attacks

A member of the security forces looks out of a window at Iran's parliament in Tehran on June 7, 2017.

Gunmen and suicide bombers attacked Iran's parliament and the shrine of its revolutionary leader on Wednesday, killing at least 12 people, wounding dozens and igniting an hours-long siege at the legislature that ended with four attackers dead.

Security personnel take position in front of parliament in Tehran.

The Islamic State group claimed the attacks, marking the first time the Sunni extremists have taken responsibility for an assault in Shiite-majority Iran. The militants are at war with Iranian-backed forces in Syria and Iraq, and view Shiites as apostates.

Women inside parliament during the attack.

The attacks began midmorning when assailants armed with Kalashnikov rifles stormed the parliament building. One of the attackers later blew himself up inside, where a session had been in progress, according to a statement carried by Iran's state TV.

Iranian lawmakers sit inside parliament during the attack.

Security forces take cover outside parliament.

A boy is evacuated from parliament during the attack.

Security forces take cover outside parliament.

Emergency personnel respond to the scene outside parliament.

Police officers control the scene outside the Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini in southern Tehran.

About 30 minutes after the parliament siege began, a suicide bomber and other assailants targeted the shrine to the Islamic republic's founder. 

Police officers control the scene after gunmen and suicide bombers attacked the shrine of Iran's revolutionary leader.

Security forces stand guard in central Tehran.