Iranian state TV reported two explosions during an anniversary event at the cemetery where Qassem Soleimani is buried in the southeastern city of Kerman. The blasts occurred during a ceremony commemorating the top commander who was killed by a US drone in 2020. Iranian officials stated that over 100 people were killed, and scores were wounded in what they described as “terrorist attacks.”
An unnamed official mentioned that “Two explosive devices planted along the road leading to Kerman’s Killers’ Cemetery were detonated by terrorists.” Babak Yektaparast, a spokesperson for Iran’s emergency services, reported 73 people killed and 170 injured, while state TV later mentioned at least 100 fatalities.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Videos from Iranian media showed numerous casualties with onlookers attending to survivors. The situation is under investigation, and authorities are providing assistance to the wounded.
The assassination of Soleimani in a US drone attack in 2020 led to increased tensions between the United States and Iran. Soleimani, as the head of the elite Quds force, played a significant role in Iran’s efforts to influence the region and counter US presence in the Middle East.
Ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, along with the US, have escalated, particularly due to Israel’s actions against Iranian-backed Hamas militants in Gaza and attacks in the region involving Iran-backed groups. However, there is no indication of foreign involvement in the explosions during the commemorative event.
