In a shocking development, two high-ranking Iranian judges were assassinated in a brutal shooting attack at the Supreme Court in Tehran. Reports from state media and judiciary officials confirm the chilling incident that unfolded early on Saturday morning.

Armed with a handgun, the assailant brazenly entered the judges’ vicinity and opened fire, killing both judges before taking his own life, according to a statement released by the judiciary's media center. The victims have been identified as Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghiseh, both esteemed Muslim scholars known for their roles as hujjat al-Islam and for presiding over different branches of the Supreme Court.

The judiciary’s media release described Razini and Moghiseh as "courageous and experienced" judges who were actively engaged in tackling crimes related to national security, espionage, and terrorism. This heinous crime shocked many in Iran, particularly considering the judges' significant roles in the justice system, combating serious threats to national stability.

Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the gunman had no prior connection to the Supreme Court or any of its visitors, leaving many to speculate about his motivations and background. This unexpected attack has raised numerous questions, especially since shootings involving judges in Iran are generally very rare.

Furthermore, the attack occurred on the first day of the Iranian workweek, further accentuating its audacity. Reports indicate that a bodyguard associated with one of the judges sustained injuries during the incident, highlighting the chaotic scene that unfolded during the shooting.

In response to this grim event, President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the act as "terrorist and cowardly," calling for swift action from security forces and law enforcement to track down any accomplices.

Ali Razini, aged 71, is no stranger to attempts on his life, having survived an assassination attempt in 1998 when he served as the head of Tehran's judiciary. This history adds a tragic layer to the current incident. Additionally, Mohammad Moghiseh, 68, had previously been sanctioned by the United States in 2019 over accusations of presiding over numerous unfair trials, raising further questions about the implications of his death.

Iranian judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei highlighted the significance of the judges’ work, stating they were targeted due to their "decisive" rulings against terrorists responsible for bloodshed in Iran. He emphasized that their positions made them frequent targets of hatred and malice from adversaries of the state.

As the investigation unfolds, the Iranian public is left grappling with this disturbing act of violence against the justice system, sparking fears over the safety of judicial figures in a country already scarred by violence against high-profile individuals. The ramifications of this assassination could potentially lead to heightened security measures and societal unrest, as citizens demand justice and clarity over the motives behind this shocking attack.