In a shocking development, the militant Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for the twin bombings that resulted in the tragic loss of at least 84 lives during a memorial ceremony in Iran for the late Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani. The claim comes as Iran observes a day of national mourning for the victims of Wednesday’s blasts.
IS asserted that two of its members carried out the bombings by activating explosive vests among the crowds gathered to honor Soleimani on the anniversary of his death. Iranian investigators had previously confirmed the involvement of suicide bombers in the attacks.
The death toll, initially estimated at around 100, was revised down to 84, and hundreds more were wounded near Soleimani’s tomb in Kerman. The bombings occurred during a day of heightened regional tensions, with Iran facing increased challenges from various quarters.
Iranian authorities, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have condemned the attacks, attributing them to “evil and criminal enemies” without explicitly naming them. President Ebrahim Raisi’s political deputy, Mohammad Jamshidi, went further on social media, asserting that “the responsibility for this crime lies with the US and Zionist (Israeli) regimes.”
The United States and Israel, however, have categorically denied any involvement in the explosions. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated, “The United States was not involved in any way, and any suggestion to the contrary is ridiculous.”
As Iran grapples with the aftermath, the country’s Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, discussed reinforcing security along its porous borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, identifying “priority points to block along the border.” The region has long been a key access point for various illicit activities.
The international community has expressed condolences, with figures such as OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell, and Chinese President Xi Jinping extending sympathies and condemning the terrorist attack. In the face of this tragedy, Iran has called for mass protests and announced funeral arrangements for the victims. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges Iran faces from both militant groups and geopolitical tensions.
By AFP
