Iran bombings close to Soleimani's grave during the event claimed dozens of lives.
According to Iran's health minister, there were two explosions close to Qassem Soleimani's mausoleum that left at least 95 people dead and 211 injured.
In a tragic incident on Wednesday afternoon, dozens lost their lives, and over 200 people were injured in two explosions near the burial site of former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) General Qassem Soleimani in the city of Kerman. The explosions occurred during a ceremony marking four years since Soleimani's assassination by a US drone strike.
Iranian Health Minister Bahram Eynollahi reported a death toll of 95, with 211 others injured, making it the deadliest attack in the history of the Islamic Republic. The cause of the blasts remains unclear, but officials have labeled it a "terrorist attack."
Videos depict ambulances rushing to the scene, transporting injured individuals, while some were reportedly treated for injuries sustained in the chaos following the explosions. Notably, three paramedics lost their lives in the line of duty.
Authorities disclosed that the explosions were caused by terrorist attacks, with reports indicating that two briefcases loaded with explosives were remotely detonated at the cemetery entrance. Kerman's security chief, Rahman Jalali, confirmed the terrorist nature of the blasts.
President Ebrahim Raisi condemned the act as "heinous" and declared Thursday a national day of mourning. He expressed confidence in identifying and punishing the perpetrators, emphasizing that such actions would not disrupt the determination of the Iranian nation.
The incident occurred a day after Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri was killed in a drone attack in Beirut, attributed to Israel by Lebanese authorities. Iran denounced the killing, warning of potential repercussions. Last month, an Israeli air raid near Damascus claimed the life of IRGC senior adviser Sayyed Razi Mousavi.
The first explosion took place 700 meters from Soleimani's grave, with the second occurring a kilometer away, suggesting the explosive devices evaded security checks. Despite the devastation, footage shows Soleimani's grave undisturbed, and the explosion sites were not in the busiest parts of the cemetery.
