Twin Blasts in Iran's Kerman City Leave Dozens Dead
Twin blasts occurred in the Iranian city of Kerman, near the burial site of Qasem Soleimani, resulting in numerous casualties. The explosions, which occurred on the anniversary of Soleimani's death, are believed to be a terrorist attack and have escalated tensions in the region. Iran's President has blamed Israel for the blasts and warned of severe consequences.
Explosions Shake Kerman City
Two explosions rocked the city of Kerman in Iran, causing significant damage and loss of life. The blasts occurred near the burial place of Qasem Soleimani, a prominent military commander who was killed in a US airstrike four years ago. The explosions, which took place on the anniversary of Soleimani's death, have been described as a terror attack by Iranian officials.
The exact cause of the explosions is yet to be determined, but at least one of them was caused by a bomb, according to state TV. The attacks have raised concerns about escalating tensions in the region, especially in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Iran's President has accused Israel of being responsible for the blasts and has vowed that Israel will pay a heavy price for its actions.
High Casualty Count and Blame Game
The twin blasts in Kerman have resulted in a significant loss of life. At least 84 people have been reported dead, and 284 others have been injured. The toll was initially higher but was revised due to the miscounting of body parts. The explosions mark the deadliest attack in Iran since the 1979 revolution, and no group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
Iran's President, Ebrahim Raisi, has blamed Israel for the explosions and issued a warning that Israel will face severe consequences. The Israeli military has not commented on the matter, and the US State Department has stated that it has no reason to believe Israel was involved. Analysts and a US official have suggested that the blasts bear the hallmarks of a terrorist attack, similar to those carried out by ISIS in the past.
Tensions in the Region and International Reactions
The twin blasts in Kerman come at a tense moment in the region, with ongoing conflicts and heightened tensions. Israel is currently engaged in a war against Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in a significant number of casualties. Skirmishes involving Iran-backed militias have also been reported beyond Israel and Gaza.
The international community has condemned the blasts and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable. Russian President Vladimir Putin, European Union, and United Nations chief Antonio Guterres have all expressed their concerns and condemned the acts of terrorism. The United States, which has recently increased its military involvement in the Middle East, has stated that it is not seeking a wider conflict.
