"Cruelty And Cynicism": Accusations And Reactions On Blast In Iran
The twin blast in Iran that killed more than 100 people has gained greater attention globally, as the region was already fragile with the impending conflagration of the on-going Israel-Hamas war. The incident took place at Kerman city in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Two back-to-back blasts happened during the death anniversary of the country’s top general Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by US drone attack in 2020.
Ebrahim Raisi, Iran’s President issued a statement following the blast and said that the perpetrators of this “cowardly act will soon be punished for their heinous act by the capable security and law enforcement forces”. He said the enemies should know that such actions will cannot breakdown the determination of Iranian people.
Iran’s Interior Minister and an IRGC commander Ahmed Vahidi said the “enemy is launching psychological operation”. He urged the Iranians to not to give into speculations and rumours, while talking to a state television. He then added that, “those who perpetrated these crimes should await a decisive and pummeling response by Iranian security and law enforcement forces”.
In a letter to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Vladimir Putin, Russian President expressed his condolences to the victims of the attack and said, “the killing of peaceful people visiting the cemetery is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism”.
Iraq issued a statement condemning the “terrorist attack Kerman”, and said that the country stands with Iran and expressed their “willingness to offer various forms of assistance, aiming to alleviate the impact of this cowardly criminal act”.
United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres condemned the blast and issued condolences to those killed. A statement from the UN chief’s spokesperson read that the UN Secretary-General “strongly condemn” the attack and “calls for those responsible to he held accountable”.
Commander of Quds Force, Esmail Qaani said that Iran has been attacked with the support of Israel and US. He said, “today we offer our condolences to the people of Kerman, who were attacked by bloodthirsty people who were sponsored by America and Zionist regime”, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
Lebanon, which was reeling from the Israeli attack on Beirut, which killed Hamas chief, Saleh al Arouri, “condemn the attack that took place in the Iranian city of Kerman, in which dozens of civilians were killed”. Lebanon also warns the “seriousness of this criminal act and the possibility of it destabilizing regional security”.
تدين وزارة الخارجية والمغتربين الإعتداء الذي وقع في مدينة كرمان الايرانية الذي ذهب ضحيته العشرات من المدنيين، وتحذر من خطورة هذا العمل الاجرامي وإمكانية زعزعته للأمن الاقليمي.
— Mofa Lebanon (@Mofalebanon) January 3, 2024
Jordan Foreign Ministry also issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing condolences for the victims.
دانت #وزارة_الخارجية_وشؤون_المغتربين الهجوم الإرهابي الذي استهدف موقعاً في محافظة #كرمان جنوبي #الجمهورية_الإسلامية_الإيرانية الشقيقة، اليوم، وأسفر عن وقوع عددٍ من الضحايا والإصابات. pic.twitter.com/3dFeuSAdJd
— وزارة الخارجية وشؤون المغتربين الأردنية (@ForeignMinistry) January 3, 2024
Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said he is deeply saddened about the “huge loss” of Iran and condemned the “heinous act”.
Deeply saddened to learn about the huge loss of lives in terrorist attacks in Kerman. Pakistan condemns this heinous act and stands in solidarity with Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Iranian Government and people at this difficult time @raisi_com 🇵🇰 🇮🇷
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) January 3, 2024
Turkish President, Recep Tayyib Erdogan he is “saddened by the heinous terrorist attacks” on Iran, and expressed his condolences to the “friendly and brotherly Iranian people.
European Union also condemned the attack “in strongest terms”. In a statement, it said “this act of terror has exacted a shocking toll of civilian deaths and injuries” and added that “perpetrators must be held accountable”.
