Iran's deputy minister for industry, mine and trade was attacked by unidentified assailants while heading toward home on Thursday, according to local media reports.
Mohammad Mahdi Baradaran came under attack near his residence in Tehran, Eghtesad Online news agency said, adding that he was "hit with a hard object on his head and face and other parts of the body."
The attack reportedly left the official gravely injured, after which he was immediately shifted to a hospital for medical treatment.
Baradaran, who previously held senior positions at Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad as well as the Mashhad Municipality, has been instrumental in leading the Industry Ministry's fight against the smuggling of goods and counterfeit products.
