Tragedy struck the city of Kerman in southeastern Iran as two powerful explosions ripped through a crowded ceremony commemorating the fourth anniversary of the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone in 2020. Iranian officials reported that nearly 100 people were killed, and scores sustained injuries in the blasts, which occurred at the cemetery where Soleimani is laid to rest.
The incident unfolded during a somber memorial event attended by a large gathering, with Iranian state television documenting the shocking aftermath. The first explosion was followed by a second blast approximately 20 minutes later, creating chaos and panic among the attendees.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Iranian authorities swiftly labeled the perpetrators as “terrorists” but did not provide further details regarding the identity or affiliations of the alleged assailants.
In response to the tragic incident, Iranian officials have vowed to track down those responsible for the attacks. The explosions have raised concerns about the security and stability of the region, particularly as tensions between Iran and the United States remain strained.
This is not the first time Iran has been targeted during events commemorating Soleimani. In the past, both the Islamic State and other militant groups have claimed responsibility for similar attacks. However, it remains unclear whether these groups were involved in the latest tragedy.
International observers are closely monitoring developments in the aftermath of the explosions, with geopolitical implications potentially influencing the already complex dynamics in the Middle East. The uncertainty surrounding the identity of the attackers and their motives adds an additional layer of complexity to the situation, leaving many questions unanswered as investigators work to uncover the truth behind this devastating incident.