Iranian President Raisi Blames Israel, US For Twin Explosions, Warns Them Of 'Regrettable, Severe' Punishment

Two rapid explosions near the burial site of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in Kerman resulted in the death of at least 103 people on Wednesday (3 January).

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has accused Israel of orchestrating the twin explosions during the ceremony, labelling it a 'terrorist attack' according to a report from Hindustan Times.

In a televised address, President Raisi warned Israel of a "heavy price" and stated that their punishment would be "regrettable and severe."

He further stated, "I warn the Zionist regime: Do not doubt that you will pay a heavy price for this crime and the crimes you have committed."

His political deputy Mohammad Jamshidi also implicated the United States, alongside Israel, in the blasts, dismissing Washington's denial.

On X, he wrote, "Washington says USA and Israel had no role in the terrorist attack in Kerman, Iran. Really? A fox smells its own lair first."

Israel responded with no comment on the incident, with one senior officer commenting that the Israeli military is focused on the conflict with Hamas.

The United States rejected any involvement, emphasising that it and Israel had no role in the attack.

The incident occurred during a memorial ceremony marking the anniversary of Soleimani's killing in a US drone strike in 2020.