A senior Iranian official has blamed recent acid attacks in the historic city of Isfahan on foreign agents and enemies of the Iranian revolution.
Ali Yunusi, a senior adviser to President Hassan Rohani, told reporters in Tehran on October 27 that acid throwing does not belong in Iranian culture.
He accused "antirevolutionary elements" and "foreign agents" of orchestrating the attacks in Isfahan, where at least four women have been doused with acid by assailants on motorcycles.
The attacks prompted protest rallies in Isfahan and Tehran.
Iranian officials have dismissed speculation that the victims were targeted for not being properly veiled.
They have pledged to find and punish the perpetrators.
Deputy judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejeie was appointed on October 26 to lead the investigation.
Media reports said several men had been arrested but were released due to insufficient evidence.
Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda and AFP
