• Twin bomb blasts in Iran killed at least 84 people near the grave of General Qassem Soleimani.
  • Iran blames Israel and the US for the attack, although the US has denied involvement.
  • No group has yet claimed responsibility for the bombings.
  • The attack occurred as people gathered to mark the death anniversary of General Soleimani.

Why is this important?

  • The incident exacerbates tensions in the Middle East, possibly affecting regional stability.
  • The attack may lead to retaliatory actions, increasing the risk of broader conflict.

Claims made by a single publication:

  • An Iranian researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies expressed concern about Iranian officials’ rhetoric concerning revenge on Israel (Maariv).
  • The Iranian Interior Minister stated that 220 people were still hospitalized, some in critical condition (Tasnim News).
  • Iranian officials modified the casualty count from 210 down to 95, and then 84, citing registration mistakes (Hürriyet Daily News).
  • China condemns the blasts and expresses condolences to Iran (Tasnim News).

Sources:

  • Maariv [Hebrew]
  • Hürriyet Daily News [English]
  • Tasnim News [English]
  • The Times of Israel [English]
  • The New Arab [English]
  • IFP News [English]

Links:

https://www.maariv.co.il/news/world/Article-1065152
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/iran-blames-israel-us-for-deadly-blasts-189340
https://www.timesofisrael.com/state-department-says-neither-us-nor-israel-behind-iran-blasts-that-killed-over-100/
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2024/01/04/3017499/china-condemns-kerman-blasts-extends-condolences-to-iran
https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/01/04/white-house-sees-no-indication-israel-behind-iran-explosions/
https://ifpnews.com/us-role-iran-terror-attack/

https://newarab.com/news/iran-vows-revenge-after-biggest-attack-1979-revolution