Iranian Authorities Respond to Deadly Explosions
Iranian authorities have reported a tragic incident in which two explosions occurred during a ceremony commemorating the 2020 assassination of Iran’s top commander, Qassem Soleimani.
The blasts took place in the southeastern city of Kerman, resulting in the death of 95 people and injuries to 211 others.
The ceremony was attended by thousands near the Saheb al-Zaman Mosque, where Soleimani is buried.
Supreme Leader Vows Revenge Against Perpetrators
In response to the attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge against what he described as the ‘evil and criminal enemies’ responsible for the deadliest attack in the country’s history.
Despite not naming any suspects, Khamenei declared that there would be a harsh response.
The explosions occurred on the four-year anniversary of Soleimani’s assassination, further intensifying the significance of the event.
No Claim of Responsibility, Suspicions Raised
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and Khamenei did not explicitly attribute blame.
However, Esmail Qaani, the top commander of Iran’s Quds force, implicated ‘the agents of the Zionist regime (Israel) and the United States’ without providing evidence.
The United States has stated it has ‘no reason’ to believe Israel was behind the attack, emphasizing that such suggestions would be ‘ridiculous.’
International Concerns and Speculations
The explosions occurred amidst escalating tensions in the region, including an Israeli drone strike in Lebanon that killed Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri.
While suspicions have been raised about potential involvement by Israel, no conclusive evidence has been presented.
The situation has prompted concerns about the possibility of a broader regional conflict.
Condolences and Global Reactions
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Iran’s leaders, condemning the attacks as ‘shocking in its cruelty and cynicism.’
The international community awaits further developments as investigations continue to determine the perpetrators behind the tragic event.
Reactions within Iran and Immediate Aftermath
Iran declared a day of mourning for the victims, and President Ebrahim Raisi canceled his planned visit to Turkey.
Video footage showed plumes of smoke, and crowds at the cemetery chanted anti-Israel and anti-America slogans.
The cause of the explosions is yet to be determined, with reports suggesting remote detonation of explosive-filled bags.
Soleimani’s Legacy and Ongoing Regional Tensions
The ceremony marked the four-year anniversary of Soleimani’s assassination, who played a significant role in shaping Iran’s foreign policy in the Middle East.
Soleimani’s death in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport in 2020 escalated tensions between Iran and the United States.
The current situation raises questions about potential motives and actors involved in the recent attacks in Kerman.
Ongoing Developments and Security Concerns
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on identifying those responsible for the attacks.
The international community closely monitors the situation, recognizing the potential consequences and the need for a measured response to avoid further escalation in an already volatile region.
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