DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran suffered a devastating blow as two bombs exploded, claiming the lives of at least 84 people during a ceremony commemorating the death of General Qassem Soleimani killed by a U.S. drone strike in 2020. The attack came at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East, with Israel engaged in a war with Hamas in Gaza.
No one has claimed responsibility for the bombings, but Iranian authorities have vowed to hold those responsible for the attack accountable. The explosions occurred near the grave of General Soleimani in Kerman, prompting chaos and panic among the people gathered to pay tribute to the late general.
The death toll was initially reported at 103 but was later revised after authorities discovered repeated names on the list of victims. However, with many of the wounded in critical condition, the death toll is likely to rise.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the attackers, Iranian officials have hinted at the possible involvement of Israel and the United States without providing any evidence. However, neither country has taken responsibility for the bombings.
The attack comes a day after a leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas was killed in a suspected Israeli strike in Beirut, adding to the complex and volatile situation in the region.
The bombings have raised concerns about the potential involvement of multiple groups, including exile organizations, militant groups, and state actors. Officials are also investigating the possibility of the involvement of Sunni extremist groups, such as ISIS, which have targeted civilians in Iran in the past.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned the attacks and promised a “harsh response” to the perpetrators, although no specific suspects have been named. President Ebrahim Raisi has also vowed to identify and punish those responsible for the “cowardly act.”
The deadly bombings have sparked a national day of mourning in Iran, with expressions of solidarity and condolences pouring in from neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia. The attacks mark one of the deadliest incidents in Iran since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
General Qassem Soleimani was a revered figure in Iran’s military, and his death has led to an outpouring of grief and anger among Iranians. Soleimani played a pivotal role in Iran’s regional military activities and was seen as a national icon, particularly among supporters of the country’s theocratic regime.
Soleimani’s death comes as one of the latest incidents in a series of escalating confrontations between the United States and Iran, following the U.S.’s unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018.
The bombing in Kerman, Iran, represents a tragic chapter in the country’s history, coming at a time of regional turmoil and uncertainty. The impact of the bombings is expected to have far-reaching consequences for Iran and the wider Middle East, as authorities work to address the aftermath and prevent further attacks.
The deadly bombings in Kerman come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, adding to the complex web of conflicts and confrontations that have engulfed the region in recent years. As authorities continue to investigate the attacks, the focus remains on identifying and holding the perpetrators accountable for the tragic loss of life.