‘Heinous’: World reacts to twin blasts that kill dozens in Iran

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, promised a ‘harsh response’ to attack in southeastern city of Kerman.

Two explosions have killed nearly 100 people and wounded over 200 others at a ceremony in Iran to commemorate the death of top commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in 2020.

Wednesday’s attacks took place in the southeastern city of Kerman along the road leading to Kerman’s Martyrs’ Cemetery.

While no one has claimed responsibility and it was not immediately clear what caused the blasts, Iranian officials have blamed a “terrorist attack”.

“The evil and criminal enemies of the Iranian nation once again created a disaster and martyred a large number of dear people in Kerman,” Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a statement. “This disaster will have a harsh response, God willing.”

In a statement, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi said, “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. The enemies of the nation should know that such actions can never disrupt the solid determination of the Iranian nation.”