On Wednesday, 84 people were killed and dozens injured in an explosion in the Iranian city of Kerman. “Islamic State” took responsibility for organizing the attack. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said there would be “severe consequences” for the perpetrators.
A bloody attack in Iran
“Violent criminals need to know that we will deal with them and that they will undoubtedly face severe consequences,” he said.
Earlier, the head of Iran's president's office, Mohammad Jamshidi, blamed Israel and the US for the attack. Washington categorically denies being behind the attack. Joe Biden's administration has also said there is no evidence that Israel orchestrated the massacre.
In recent years, there have been repeated explosions in Iran. He was usually behind them Islamic State and Arab separatist-affiliated groups.
Attack during the holidays
Speculation was fueled by the fact that the attack in Kerman was carried out during a ceremony marking the third anniversary of the death of one of Iran's most important figures, the commander of the elite Al Quds Force. General Kasem Soleiman.
Let us remind you that in January 2020, US forces killed him at the Baghdad airport. The Pentagon confirmed that the action was carried out on the orders of President Donald Trump. As a result of the attack, a total of eight people were killed and nine were injured. In addition to Soleimani, the Americans killed one of the commanders of the Iraqi militia, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. An Iranian general was killed as a result of a drone attack.
The White House justified the decision to kill Soleimani by saying that he was behind the attacks and planned further attacks on American facilities in the Middle East.
Avoid escalation with the US
According to The New York Times, Iran's military commanders have now received clear instructions from Tehran to avoid an escalation of conflict with the United States. The order is also intended to cover attacks on US bases in the Middle East by organizations supported by Iran's intelligence services.
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