DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian officials reported that at least 95 people were killed by two bombs at a commemoration for a prominent Iranian general, Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020. This devastating incident occurred in Kerman, about 510 miles southeast of Tehran, leaving at least 211 people wounded. The explosions occurred near Soleimani’s grave site as people gathered for the event marking the fourth anniversary of his death.
The deadly bombings took place at a critical time, with the Middle East already on edge due to Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which has been described as the deadliest militant attack in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The first bomb was detonated around 3 p.m., followed by another explosion about 20 minutes later. Iranian state television and officials have labeled these incidents as bombings, but further details about the attacks are pending.
As Iranian authorities are working to determine who was behind the bombings, many suspect various entities including exile groups, militant organizations, and state actors. While Israel has been known to conduct attacks in Iran over its nuclear program, it has typically focused on targeted assassinations rather than mass casualty bombings. U.S. State Department and National Security Council spokespeople have both stated that there is no reason to believe Israel was involved in the Iran bombings.
At this point, Iranian officials have vowed to identify and punish those responsible, declaring Thursday as a national day of mourning. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised a harsh response to the attackers, without naming any specific suspects. Meanwhile, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi asserted that the perpetrators of the attacks would be soon identified and punished.
Iran’s history of regional military activities, support for various militant groups, and its enemies’ retaliatory actions all contribute to the complex dynamics surrounding this tragic event. It’s worth noting that Iran itself has been targeted by various groups and state actors over the years, leading to a cycle of violence and retaliatory actions.
The deadly bombings in Kerman are a somber reminder of the ongoing tensions and complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. As authorities investigate the incident and the region mourns the loss of innocent lives, they reinforce the need for diplomatic efforts and de-escalation in the region’s conflicts.