Iranian officials have blamed the violence on foreign-backed terrorist groups, including the Mojahedin Khalq Organisation (MKO) and the monarchists, as well as armed separatist groups. The armed rioters and terrorists carried knives, firearms, and incendiary materials, and moved through the streets targeting public property, religious sites, clinics, banks and commercial areas. That night, foreign-backed terrorist groups targeted Rasht’s historic urban core. A group of foreign-backed armed rioters ambushed the Imam Sajjad Clinic, set the building ablaze, and blocked rescue teams from entering for hours. Yet, according to those present, 31-year-old nurse Nabavi-Nia remained at the bedside of a child still connected to an IV line, even as the fire advanced.