In the aftermath of the deadly explosions that rocked a ceremony marking the fourth anniversary of Qassem Soleimani’s death, Iran has issued a stern warning of retaliation, vowing to respond with “fire and fury” against not only the perpetrators but also anyone involved in the planning and execution of the attack.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. But the Iranian Mission to the United Nations directly implicated the “Zionist regime” and its alleged puppet terrorist groups in orchestrating the attack that claimed over 100 lives.
“The fear of the Zionist regime & its puppet terrorist groups of Martyr Soleimani led to another crime in Kerman during his commemoration ceremony,” the Iranian Mission to the United Nations said Wednesday in a post posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Iran will respond with fire & fury to the orchestrators, perpetrators, & anyone who’s aided & abetted in this terrorist attack,” the Mission added.
While not directly blaming Israel, these comments suggest heightened tensions between the two nations.
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The Iranian ambassador to the UN called for a condemnation of the attack and emphasized Iran’s commitment to justice for the victims. The incident in Kerman resulted in at least 103 deaths and 211 injuries, with investigations ongoing to identify those behind the attack.
Without naming a specific perpetrator, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also issued strong words, threatening severe retribution to those responsible.
“The evil, criminal enemies of the Iranian nation have once again created a tragedy and martyred a large number of our dear people in Kerman in the fragrant atmosphere of the martyrs’ tombs in Kerman,” Khamenei said, according to his official X account. “The Iranian nation is in grief and many families are mourning the death of their loved ones. The stony-hearted criminals could not tolerate seeing the love and affection of the people for visiting the grave of their great commander, Martyr Qasem Soleimani.”
The situation comes amid broader regional tensions, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the recent assassination of Hamas political bureau deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut. Iran has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian factions and has called for an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
The US and Israel have distanced themselves from the explosions, denying any involvement.
