ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadliest attack in Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution. On Wednesday, at least 84 people were killed and 284 others injured in the Iranian city of Kerman after twin blasts near the burial site of slain military commander Qasem Soleimani. The claim by ISIS comes amid heightened tensions and accusations following the attack. The first explosion was caused by a bomb placed in a suitcase in a car, detonated remotely, and the second, more deadly blast occurred when people came to help the injured. While Iranian officials initially blamed Israel for the attack, ISIS has now claimed responsibility. The situation remains tense, with ongoing regional complexities involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The Al-Furqan media wing of ISIS released a statement on Thursday, titled “And Kill Them Wherever You Find Them,” claiming responsibility for the twin blasts. According to the statement, two brothers, whose names were disclosed, approached a gathering of what they referred to as “polytheists” near the grave of the deceased Qasem Soleimani, their “dead leader,” and detonated their explosive vests. Additionally, a warning was issued to the “polytheists,” cautioning them that the “mujahideen are lying in wait for them and their projects.” It’s important to note that the Islamic State considers the Shia branch of Islam to be heretical and has targeted shrines and religious sites in Iran in previous incidents.
The first explosion was caused by a bomb placed in a suitcase in a car, and appeared to be detonated remotely, Iranian state television reported. The second, more deadly blast took place 20 minutes later, when people came to help the injured.
No one claimed responsibility for the attack for more than 24 hours, during which time Iranian officials were quick to blame Israel and said it will pay for it. Iran has yet to respond to the ISIS claim as of Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Israeli military told CNN it had “no comment” on the explosions. Israel does not usually respond to allegations that it carried out operations against Iranian interests. Also on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller told reporters the department had “no reason to believe that Israel was involved.”