A veiled Iranian schoolgirl holds up a portrait of the former commander of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, Major General Qasem Soleimani, during a gathering out of the former U.S. embassy in Tehran to mark the anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. embassy, also known as the student's day or national day against global arrogance, November 4, 2022. 📷 by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Table of Contents
Tehran in Turmoil:
Over 100 people were killed and hundreds more injured when a series of explosions tore through the crowd at a ceremony marking the second anniversary of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani’s death. Iranian officials have attributed the attack to Israel and the US, which has sparked new unrest in the region and increased concerns about a conflict that could get worse.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – JANUARY 05: People hold posters showing the portrait of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Major General Qassem Soleimani and chant slogans during a protest outside the U.S. Consulate on January 05, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey. Major General Qassem Soleimani, was killed by a U.S. drone strike outside the Baghdad Airport on January 3. Since the incident, tensions have risen across the Middle East. 📷 by Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Soleimani’s Legacy and the Shadow of Revenge:
Because of his leadership of Iran’s elite Quds Force, General Soleimani was regarded as a national hero and was held in high regard there. When he was killed by a US drone strike in January 2020, Tehran vowed to exact revenge and expressed outrage. It was always going to be a sensitive occasion, marking the anniversary of his death, and the bombings have only made things more tense.
Details of the Attack:
The explosions happened during a memorial service in Soleimani’s hometown of Kerman, where thousands of people had gathered to show their support. While the precise toll is still being ascertained, indications point to at least 100 fatalities and numerous injuries. The attack’s nature is also unknown, though some reports claim suicide bombers were engaged.
TOPSHOT – Iranians tear up a US flag during a demonstration in Tehran on January 3, 2020 following the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Major General Qasem Soleimani in a US strike on his convoy at Baghdad international airport. Iran warned of “severe revenge” and said arch-enemy the United States bore responsiblity for the consequences after killing one of its top commanders, Qasem Soleimani, in a strike outside Baghdad airport. 📷 by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images
Who is Responsible?
With little delay, Iranian officials blamed Israel and the US, claiming that they were behind the attack, which they described as terrorism. Relations between Iran and the West have become more tense despite the denials of involvement from both countries.
TOPSHOT – Iranian mourners lift a picture of slain military commander Qasem Soleimani during a funeral procession in the capital Tehran on January 6, 2020, for him as well as Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and other victims of a US attack. Downtown Tehran was brought to a standstill as mourners flooded the Iranian capital to pay an emotional homage to Soleimani, the “heroic” general who spearheaded Iran’s Middle East operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike on January 3 near Baghdad airport. 📷 by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images
Possible Motives:
Although the attack’s motivations are still being looked into, there are a few plausible theories. According to some experts, it might be a reprisal for Iran’s recent missile strikes on US targets in Iraq. Some speculate that it might be an effort to topple Iran’s government or interfere with the country’s impending presidential election.
TOPSHOT – Iranian mourners lift a picture of slain military commander Qasem Soleimani during a funeral procession in the capital Tehran on January 6, 2020, for him as well as Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and other victims of a US attack. Downtown Tehran was brought to a standstill as mourners flooded the Iranian capital to pay an emotional homage to Soleimani, the “heroic” general who spearheaded Iran’s Middle East operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force and was killed in a US drone strike on January 3 near Baghdad airport. 📷 by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images
Regional Implications:
The area has been significantly impacted by the bombings. They have clouded the impending parliamentary elections in Iraq and stoked concerns of a spike in hostilities between Iran and its adversaries. The situation is still unstable despite calls for restraint and calm from the international community.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 21: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi holds up a photo of Quds Force Commander General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. attack, during his remarks at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at U.N. headquarters on September 21, 2022 in New York City. After two years of holding the session virtually or in a hybrid format, 157 heads of state and representatives of government are expected to attend the General Assembly in person. 📷 by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The Road Ahead:
Rescue operations and attack investigation are likely to take centre stage in the immediate aftermath of the bombings. The event’s long-term effects are still unknown, though. There’s a chance that the attack will trigger fresh unrest and violence in the area. On the other hand, it might also act as a spark for discussion and negotiation. What this tragedy’s ultimate effects will be is a matter for time to tell.
