According to the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), the two explosions occurred in an underground passage last Wednesday (3/1/2024) one kilometer from the burial site. Deputy Governor of Kerman Province, Rahman Jalali, confirmed that the two explosions were the work of terrorists.
Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, emphasized that the perpetrators would definitely receive severe punishment for this tragedy.
The international world also condemns acts of terrorism targeting civilians in Kerman City. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Riyadh rejected and condemned the terrorist attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin in a letter to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that he condemned all forms of terrorism.
Apart from President Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also stated that he would be on Iran's side in fighting this act of terrorism. The explosion had the effect of delaying the visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was scheduled to arrive in Turkiye on Thursday.
Lebanon and Pakistan also condemned the blast in Kerman City. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned of the serious impact of this action which could disrupt regional security stability. Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar expressed deep condolences over the large number of deaths.
Until yesterday, it wasn’t clear who was responsible for the Kerman bomb. The Islamic State militant group (ISIS) in a statement on social media on Thursday claimed responsibility, but this hasn’t been verified. Meanwhile, the bombing that occurred a day after an Israeli drone killed a top Hamas official, Saleh Al Arouri in Beirut, Lebanon, prompted the Political Deputy of the President of Iran, Mohammad Jamshidi to direct accusations at the US and Israel.
On one hand, the US government denied the accusation. On the other hand, Washington warned against further escalation after the alleged Israeli attack on the Hamas leader.
Acts of terrorism, such as the bombings in Kerman City are barbaric and inhumane, especially because the victims are innocent citizens. Therefore, an in-depth investigation is needed to impose charges and punishment for the perpetrators.
