The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has vowed a strong retaliation following a bombing attack during a commemoration event for the late Qasem Soleimani, orchestrated by the US. The attack in Kerman, Southern Iran, claimed the lives of 84 people and left many wounded. The Islamic State group (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack through its Telegram channels, expressing joy over Soleimani’s death, despite his previous opposition to their activities.
Iranian officials attributed at least one explosion to a suicide bomber. Khamenei promised severe repercussions for the perpetrators, while President Ebrahim Raisi’s deputy accused Israel and the US, though the latter denied any involvement.
Soleimani’s assassination in a US drone strike in Iraq in 2020 heightened tensions in the region, and this recent attack comes amidst escalated tensions, including the killing of a deputy leader of Hamas in Lebanon in an alleged Israeli drone strike.
The bombings occurred during a procession honoring Soleimani, causing chaos and panic among the attendees. The first explosion was reported near a cemetery, followed by another targeting those fleeing the initial blast. Iranian authorities confirmed these were bomb-induced explosions but hadn’t determined if they were remote-controlled or carried out by suicide attackers.
Witnesses described the suddenness of the blasts, with one individual mentioning a car stopping behind them before an explosion from a waste bin. The Iranian Red Crescent confirmed casualties, including a paramedic responding to the first explosion.
President Raisi condemned the bombings, labeling them as cowardly acts by those opposing Iran. The UN Secretary-General also expressed condolences and condemned the attack.
Soleimani, as the commander of the Quds Force within the Revolutionary Guards, played a significant role in Iranian foreign policy. He oversaw clandestine missions and supported various groups across the region. His assassination by the US led to heightened tensions between the two nations.
Iran accused the US of terrorism and issued arrest warrants for former President Trump and other officials. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, leaving Iran grappling with the aftermath of the bombings and determining the responsible parties.
