Iran blasts updates: Deadly explosions target Soleimani death anniversary

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We will soon be closing this live page. Here’s a recap of the day’s main developments:

• Twin explosions occurred outside an event near the tomb of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Qassem Soleimani in the Iranian city of Kerman.
• At least 103 people have been reported killed as a result.
• “Undoubtedly, the perpetrators … of this cowardly act will soon be identified and punished for their heinous act by the capable security and law enforcement forces,” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said in a written statement.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has issued condolences for those killed in the attack and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack today on a memorial ceremony in Kerman city in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which reportedly killed more than 100 people and injured many more,” a statement from his spokesperson reads.

“The Secretary-General calls for those responsible to be held accountable. The Secretary-General expresses his deep condolences to the bereaved families and the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He wishes the injured a speedy recovery.”

Esmail Qaani offered condolences and said Iran had been attacked with the support of Israel and the US.

“Today, we offer our condolences to the people of Kerman, who were attacked by bloodthirsty people who were sponsored by America and the Zionist regime,” he said.

“The one who leaves the Gaza battlefield more humiliatingly is the Zionist regime and the winner of this Palestinian resistance field.”

Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns of the “seriousness of this criminal act and the possibility of it destabilising regional security”, and the Jordanian Foreign Ministry offered a general condemnation of the blast.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said he was “deeply saddened to learn about the huge loss of lives in terrorist attacks in Kerman”.

Deeply saddened to learn about the huge loss of lives in terrorist attacks in Kerman. Pakistan condemns this heinous act and stands in solidarity with Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Iranian Government and people at this difficult time @raisi_com 🇵🇰 🇮🇷

— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) January 3, 2024

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered his condolences and condemned the violent attack in a social media post.

“We are deeply saddened by the heinous terrorist attacks carried out in Iran’s Kerman province. May God have mercy on those who lost their lives in the attacks, and I wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured,” Erdogan said in a post on X.

“I express my condolences to the friendly and brotherly Iranian people.”

The EU has condemned the Kerman bombing “in the strongest terms,” expressing its solidarity with the Iranian people.

“This act of terror has exacted a shocking toll of civilian deaths and injuries. Our thoughts now are with the victims and their families. Perpetrators must be held accountable,” the statement said.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has offered condolences for those killed in the blasts.

Nasrallah did not comment on possible perpetrators but said those killed fell on the same road of struggle as Soleimani.

“The people who were visiting his [Soleimani’s] resting place and celebrating the occasion, including men, women and children, were targeted. As a result, a large number of martyrs fell,” he said.

“We offer all of their families our sincerest condolences. They are martyrs on the same road, they are martyrs of the same cause, of the same battle, that was being waged by commander Haj Qassem Soleimani.”

The Iraqi government has issued a statement condemning what it described as a “terrorist attack in Kerman“.

“In a show of solidarity, our government stands with Iran, expressing support for both the Iranian Government and its people during this difficult time.”

“Iraq expresses willingness to offer various forms of assistance, aiming to alleviate the impact of this cowardly criminal act.”

Iran’s President Raisi has issued a written statement following the deadly blasts in Kerman.

“Undoubtedly, the perpetrators … of this cowardly act will soon be identified and punished for their heinous act by the capable security and law enforcement forces,” Raisi stated.

“The enemies of the nation should know that such actions can never disrupt the solid determination of the Iranian nation.”

• Two bombs placed in suitcases appear to have been detonated remotely at the event marking the fourth anniversary of General Qassem Soleimani’s death, the Tasnim news agency reported.
• At least 103 people were killed in the Kerman blasts, according to Mohammad Saberi, the head of Kerman’s emergency services.
• Iran’s head of judiciary, Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, has released a statement, saying: “The agents and perpetrators of this grievous crime will undoubtedly be punished.”
• The political office of Yemen’s Houthi rebel group issued a statement condemning what they called the “criminal bombings” on the anniversary of Soleimani’s “martyrdom”.
• Iran’s government declared Thursday a day for public mourning across the country, according to Iran’s state television.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences over the twin blasts that have rocked Kerman.

“The killing of peaceful people visiting the cemetery is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism,” Putin said in a letter to Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The political office of Yemen’s Houthi rebel group have issued a statement condemning what they called the “criminal bombings” on the anniversary of Soleimani’s “martyrdom”.

“This heinous crime represents an extension of all the crimes that attempted to undermine the Islamic Republic, its role in confronting global arrogance, its adoption of the nation’s central cause, and its support for the resistance forces in Palestine and Lebanon,” the statement reads.