As many as 103 people were reportedly killed and over 200 injured in twin blasts in the city of Kerman in Iran on 3rd January 2023. The explosions took place during a commemorative ceremony marking the fourth anniversary of the assassination of Qasem Soleimani at his tomb. The Iranian general was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq in 2020.

According to the Associated Press, the first explosion occurred 700 metres from Soleimani’s grave near a parking lot, while the second occurred one kilometre away at Shohada Street, where many had fled. The explosions occurred between 10 to 15 minutes apart. Iranian media reported that the attack was carried out using two briefcase bombs placed at the entrance and were detonated by remote control.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack but according to BBC News, “suspicion may fall on Arab separatists and Sunni jihadist groups like Islamic State (IS), who have carried out attacks on civilians and security forces in the country in recent years.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday evening, asserted that “evil and criminal enemies” “will be met with firm crackdown and fair punishment, commencing immediately.”

“They should know that this disaster will have a harsh response, God willing,” he added.