Sunni cleric: Blast heightened Shia, Sunni unity

A senior Sunni cleric says that the terrorist attack in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Balouchestan has strengthened the unity between Sunnis and Shias in the region.

“The attack was aimed at encouraging disunity in the region but reiterated that it had conversely united Sunnis and Shias,” said Friday prayers leader of Zahedan Mowlavi Abdul Hamid.

Mowlavi Abdul Hamid 'severely' condemned the terrorist attack in southern Iran, which killed at least 41 people while calling it 'distressing'.

He said that the bomb attack 'was heinous to such an extent that it was strongly condemned by the global community as well.'

On Sunday, at least 41 people including top commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) were killed in an explosion during a unity conference between Sunni and Shia tribal leaders in the borderline city of Pishin.

The Pakistan-based Jundallah terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the bomb blast. This is not the first time that the group conducts a deadly attack in the country.

In late May, the group led by Abdolmalek Rigi took responsibility for a bombing in a mosque in the Sistan-Balouchestan province, which left at least 25 killed and several others injured.

The terrorist cell denies having any links to the US but Rigi's brother, in a recent interview with Press TV, confirmed that the Jundallah leader had established links with the US agents.

Abdulhamid said that in just one of his meetings with the US operatives, Rigi had received $100,000 to fuel sectarianism in Iran.

The Pakistan-based Jundallah, led by Abdolmalik Rigi, has staged a torrent of bombings and terrorist attacks in Iran.

Iran has called on Pakistan to help the country in tracking down and bringing to justice the terrorists behind the attack.