Two bombs exploded at an event in Iran commemorating the death of General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020. The explosions took place in the city of Kerman and resulted in the deaths of at least 103 people, with 188 others wounded. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and it is unclear who was behind it. Iran has multiple enemies who could potentially be responsible, including exile groups, militant organizations, and state actors. The explosions occurred during a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Israel engaged in a war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The event in Kerman marked the fourth anniversary of General Soleimani's death and attracted a large crowd. The first bomb detonated near Soleimani's grave, while the second blast occurred about a kilometer away along the procession route. Iranian state television described the attacks as bombings but did not provide further details.
The bombings in Kerman represent a significant loss of life and are the deadliest militant attack in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The country has seen protests and targeted attacks in recent years, but large-scale bombings are relatively rare. It is also worth noting that Iran itself has supported militant groups in the region, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi rebels.
Leaders from around the world expressed their condolences following the attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the murder of civilians "shocking in its cruelty and cynicism," while Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah referred to the victims as "martyrs." The European Union offered its solidarity with the Iranian people, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the "heinous terrorist attacks."
General Soleimani was a highly influential figure in Iran, known for his role in the country's regional military activities. His death in 2020 sparked widespread mourning and led to tensions between Iran and the U.S. The recent bombings in Kerman demonstrate the ongoing volatility in the region and the potential for further violence.