A deadly attack was claimed by the Islamic State group in the southern Iranian city of Kerman during public ceremonies marking the fourth anniversary of the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani by the United States. The strike occurred as thousands gathered to remember Soleimani, who was killed in 2020 by a U.S. drone strike order.
In a statement circulated via its Telegram channels, Islamic State said two of its members were approaching a large gathering near Soleimani’s tomb when they detonated explosive belts. Iranian authorities confirmed at least 84 people had died and more than 200 were injured in what officials described as twin suicides. The casualty toll later rose as hospitals treated the injured, with scores more reported in critical condition.
Islamic State identified the two suicide attackers as Omar al Mowhid and Saifalá el Mujahid and claimed the assault was meant to signal that jihadists were behind ongoing plans against their opponents. Reports from Iranian officials indicated the attack involved multiple fatalities and a significant number of injuries as the ceremony continued with disruption and alarm.
The incident unfolded as a large crowd attended the commemoration of Soleimani, who was killed in Baghdad in 2020 by a U.S. order. Iranian authorities pledged swift action to arrest those responsible and warned that any supporters of the attackers would face consequences from a resolute national response. The government also stressed that it would pursue security operations to prevent further violence.
The Islamic State has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Iranian soil, including a 2022 strike at a mausoleum in Shiraz that resulted in multiple deaths. Authorities in Iran described the Kerman incident as a suicide attack and pledged comprehensive investigations to determine all involved parties and any external support networks.
Calls for global attacks and countermeasures
In addition to the immediate attack, Islamic State messaging urged supporters to target cities around the world, citing opposition to Western support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict. A spokesperson named Abu Hazifa al Ansari spoke in an audio broadcast, urging actions against what the group described as Jewish and allied interests across Europe, North America, and other regions. The communication framed the conflict as a broad war against the adversaries of Muslims, asking followers to diversify tactics and target both military and civilian sites with explosives, firearms, knives, and coordinated strikes.
The spokesman also called for punishment of those he described as Western allies of Israel, emphasizing that Muslims should respond to perceived aggression with resistance across Palestine, Iraq, the Levant, and other Muslim-majority areas. The message urged supporters to pursue what it called justice for Palestinians and to act with a sense of global solidarity, while framing the struggle in terms of a broader conflict against Western powers and their allies.
The statement further urged attacks against Jewish and Christian targets abroad, including in the United States and Europe, and warned that military actions would be taken without discrimination against what it labeled as anti-Muslim fronts. The wording reflected an intent to provoke fear and provoke retaliation beyond the immediate region, a tactic frequently used by the group in its outreach.
The Islamic State’s historic pattern includes exploiting areas under their influence as propaganda platforms, and although their territorial control has diminished since peak years in Iraq and Syria, the group continues to issue recruitment appeals and to call on sympathizers to strike in multiple countries. Analysts have noted that such calls often aim to incite fear and to maintain relevance by portraying the group as an ongoing global threat, despite military setbacks in some theatres. Observers emphasize the importance of robust security measures, counter-extremism efforts, and international cooperation to prevent radicalization and to disrupt the group’s networks wherever they operate.
In the wake of the Kerman attack, authorities in Iran and allied security services have underscored the need for vigilance and coordinated intelligence work to prevent further violence. The incident adds to a series of violent incidents attributed to extremist factions in the region and highlights ongoing concerns about security and public safety during high-profile commemorations and gatherings.
The broader context remains one of regional and global tension, with governments continuing to confront extremist messaging while striving to protect civilians and preserve stability. Marked by condemnations from many quarters, the response includes investigative work, community outreach, and ongoing efforts to counter extremist propaganda and deter recruitment by violent groups. This event serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of safety during major public ceremonies and the challenges authorities face in preventing such tragedies from recurring. [Attribution: This synthesis draws on widely reported accounts of the incident and subsequent official statements.]