An Iranian man has been shot and arrested after trying to break into President Hassan Rouhani’s office, local news has reported.
Initial reports say the attacker was carrying a knife or sword. He was shot in the leg attempting to bypass a security checkpoint at the Pasteur Street complex in Tehran city centre, which is home to several government offices.
“We are trying to identify the person and his motivation," deputy governor of Tehran, Mohsen Hamedani, told Fars news agency on Monday.
Swords and daggers are carried by Iranian men as part of traditional dress, although such items would be an unusual sight in downtown Tehran. Police have been known to confiscate weapons near official buildings.
Iran has been restive in recent weeks since protests against the government began in December over rising inflation and joblessness. The demonstrations have morphed into calls for both President Rouhani and supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khameni to step down.
Almost 5,000 people have been arrested in connection to the protests to date, according to Tehran prison service figures quoted last week.
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