TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pledged a “harsh response” following twin blasts that rocked the country’s southern city of Kerman, killing at least 103 people. The explosions occurred as crowds gathered to commemorate the death of General Qasem Soleimani.
In a statement, Ayatollah Khamenei condemned the “evil and criminal enemies” responsible for the disaster and expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He vowed that those behind the attacks would face severe consequences, stating, “This disaster will have a harsh response, God willing.”
The twin blasts occurred near a mosque in Soleimani’s hometown, where mourners had gathered on the fourth anniversary of the general’s assassination in a 2020 Baghdad drone strike, an incident that further heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.
Iran’s President Terms Attacks as Heinous Act
In a separate statement, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi also condemned the attacks, labeling them as a “heinous” act. Raisi assured that the perpetrators of this “cowardly act” would be identified and punished by Iran’s capable security and law enforcement forces. He emphasized that such actions would not disrupt the unwavering determination of the Iranian nation.
Meanwhile, the European Union joined in condemning the twin blasts, describing them as an “act of terror.” The EU issued a statement demanding that those responsible be brought to justice. The spokesperson for EU foreign affairs expressed solidarity with the Iranian people. The statement concluded with a call for accountability, stating, “Perpetrators must be held accountable.”
Iran declared Thursday a day of mourning after the twin blasts that killed at least 103 people. “Following the terrorist incident in Kerman, the government declared tomorrow (Thursday) a day for public mourning across the country,” state television announced.
