Iran vows revenge after Islamic State bombers killed dozens

Two suicide bombers struck crowds and killed at least 84 people and wounded hundreds more in southern city of Iran. The explosions shaking the city of Kerman, about 820 km southeast of Tehran, the capital city of Iran. The bombings rocked a memorial service for slain General Qaseem Soleimani who was killed by US airstrike in 2020.

Another 280 people received injuries in the bombings that has been considered as deadliest attack in Iran since the 1979 revolution, trigging the nation into mourning. Twelve Afghan citizens were also among the causalities.

The Islamic State (IS) in a statement said that its two fighters had carried out twin bombings and the claim come as Iran observed a day of national morning on Friday for those killed in Wednesday’s blasts.

In a statement on Telegram, IS said that two of its members were involved in the bombings and activated their explosives vest among the crowds who were gathered to marked the fourth anniversary of the killing of Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force, in a US drone strike in Iraq.

Iranian president Ebrahim Rasis visited Kerman today to join the mourners for the funerals of the 85 people killed by IS suicide bombers.

Iran first was suspicions on US and Israel involvement in bombings

Before IS claimed responsibility for the bombings, a cloud of uncertainty hanged over the motive and permeators of the attack, and Tehran vowed a harsh avenged. Iranian officials have turned blame finger on their two enemies, US and Israel and suspected their involvements in the attack. Iran has all the right to be suspicion over Israel and US’s role in the bombing because they are in tensions since many years and Israel had several times vowed to attack Iran.

People display an Iranian flag and hold flowers during a gathering in tribute to victims in front of the Iranian Embassy in Paris on January 4, 2024 after twin bombings killed on January 3, 2024 at least 84 people at a memorial ceremony for slain Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani in Kerman, Iran. (AFP)

But still Iran has time and resources to deeply investigate the case and meanwhile the Iranian authorities need to find out from where these two bombers’ entered in Iran and which group or state actor helped. However, the incident, indeed, was a big tragedy, leaving a nation in shock, grappling with the loss of their loved once.

The ground reality is that Iran has multiple foes that could be behind the assault. However, US officials have denied any role in the attack and also the world community expressed swift condemnation. US State Department Spokesman, Matthew Miller said that US officials had no reason to believe Israel was involved in the attack. The statement was also delivered by National Security Council Spokesman, John Kirby who said that “our hearts go out to all the innocent victims and their family members.”

Iran vowed revenge for the deadly bombings   

Reacting to the deadly bombings, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that the attackers will face a harsh response. Before IS claim the responsibility, Iranian President Raisi said that without out doubt the perpetrators and leaders of this cowardly act will son be identified and punished.

But this is not the first time that IS targeted gatherings in Iran. In 2022, the group claimed responsibility for an attack on a Shiite shrine that resulted into death of 15 people. In another attack in 2017 which again IS claimed responsibility, targeted Iran’s parliament and the tomb of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and in that time, Iran again accused US but Washington again denied any role in the attack.

Iran urged to avoid actions that could escalate the situation

But Khamenei vowed a harsh response and called the perpetrators “evil and criminal enemies, meanwhile, Iranian President Raisi declared a national day of mourning and canceled his planned trip to Turkey.

But the world community called on Iran to exercise extreme caution and urged restraint and de-escalation in blame games in any ways. Chinese President Xi Jinping had expressed his sock over twin bombings in Iran and extended his country’s firm support to Tehran. He said that Beijing opposes all forms of terrorism and reiterated Beijing’s readiness to support Iran’s efforts in safeguarding its national security and stability.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack and called for accountability. Meanwhile, European Union expressed its condolences and urged “all relevant parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could further escalate the situation.”