Over 100 killed, 150 injured in explosions on Soleimani's death anniversary in Iran

New Delhi, Jan 3: Iranian state media reported that at least 103 people lost their lives in two bomb explosions near the tomb of General Qasem Soleimani on the fourth anniversary of his assassination.

The blasts targeted a procession near the Saheb al-Zaman mosque in Kerman, causing dozens of additional injuries, as confirmed by the state broadcaster Irib.

Videos circulating online depicted bodies on the road, and ambulances rushed to the scene. Kerman's deputy governor labelled the incident a "terrorist attack."

The perpetrators remain unidentified, and no group has claimed responsibility so far.

Qasem Soleimani, regarded as one of Iran's most powerful figures before his 2020 assassination in a US drone strike, held a significant role in Iranian policy across the region as the commander of the Quds Force, the Revolutionary Guards' overseas operations arm.

The explosions occurred in quick succession in Kerman, Soleimani's hometown, as shown in footage broadcast by state TV. The first blast reportedly happened around 700 meters from the Garden of Martyrs cemetery, while the second occurred about 1 kilometre away, approximately 15 minutes later.

Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, suggested that "two bags carrying bombs" were detonated by remote control.

State media cited the local emergency services department, reporting 103 deaths and 150 injuries, some critical. Soleimani's tomb appeared undamaged in the aftermath.

This incident adds to heightened tensions in the region following the apparent Israeli drone strike in Lebanon that killed the deputy leader of the Iran-backed Palestinian group, Hamas.