Iranian state media reported today, Wednesday, that "188 people were killed in 'terrorist attacks' in Kerman during two explosions near a cemetery, while commemorating the death of prominent Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike in 2020." Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi emphasized that "revenge against those behind the terrorist attack in Kerman is inevitable and decisive." Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi stated that "the Kerman explosions are a new conspiracy that our forces will respond to forcefully and promptly." The Interior Minister promised that "the response to the terrorist attack in Kerman will be overwhelming and as soon as possible." The Iranian news agency "Mehr" reported that "the two bombs were detonated at Kerman cemetery near Soleimani’s tomb via remote controls."
Iranian state television reported the occurrence of a first explosion followed by a second one during the ceremonies in the city of Kerman in southeastern Iran, stating that "at least 180 people were killed." The semi-official news agency "Nournews" noted that "several gas cylinders exploded on the road leading to the cemetery." Local officials stated that "it has not yet been determined whether the explosions resulted from gas cylinders or if it was a terrorist attack."
The official television showed Red Crescent rescue workers treating the injured at the site of the ceremonies, where hundreds of Iranians had gathered to commemorate Soleimani's death. In an interview with state television, the head of the Red Crescent in Kerman province, Reza Fallah, said: "Our rapid response teams are evacuating the injured... but there are waves of crowds blocking the roads." An Iranian official stated to the state television that "the Kerman explosion was a terrorist attack."
