Islamic State took responsibility for the twin explosions in Iran, which resulted in the deaths of almost 100 individuals and numerous injuries during a commemorative event for Qassem Soleimani, a top commander. The militant Sunni Muslim group claimed through its affiliate Telegram channels that two IS members had triggered explosive belts amidst the assembled crowd at a cemetery in Kerman, southeastern Iran.
The memorial commemorated the fourth year since the assassination of Soleimani, who was killed in Iraq in 2020 by a US drone strike. In Washington, White House spokesman John Kirby informed reporters that the United States couldn't dispute Islamic State's assertion of responsibility for the attack. Tehran has pledged retaliation for what is deemed the deadliest attack since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The twin blasts also wounded 284 people, including children. "A very strong retaliation will be meted out to them by the hands of the soldiers of Soleimani," Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber told reporters in Kerman. Iranian authorities have called for mass protests, when the funerals of the victims of the twin blasts will be held, state media reported. Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps described the attacks as a cowardly act "aimed at creating insecurity and seeking revenge against the nation's deep love and devotion to the Islamic Republic".