BRUSSELS: The European Union’s (EU) top diplomat, Josep Borrell, extended condolences to Iran in the wake of what he referred to as a “terrorist attack” that claimed the lives of 95 people. The tragic incident unfolded during a commemorative gathering in southern Iran, marking the fourth anniversary of the death of Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US strike.
Twin bomb blasts struck near the Martyrs Cemetery at the Saheb Al-Zaman Mosque in Kerman, Soleimani’s hometown. The attacks, occurring approximately 15 minutes apart, targeted a crowd of supporters paying tribute to the late general. While the responsibility for the bombings remains unclaimed, Iran has pointed fingers at Israel and the United States.
Josep Borrell conveyed his condolences to Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian during a call on Wednesday. In a social media statement, Borrell expressed his condemnation of the “terrorist attack” in the strongest terms and conveyed solidarity with the Iranian people.
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The EU’s foreign policy chief’s outreach underscores the global community’s shared sorrow over the loss of civilian lives in Iran. As the situation unfolds, the international community remains vigilant, urging a thorough investigation into the incident to determine responsibility and bring perpetrators to justice.
The bombings, occurring on the anniversary of Qasem Soleimani’s death, add a layer of complexity to the already tense regional dynamics. The EU’s expression of solidarity emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in the face of acts of terror, advocating for a collective effort to combat and prevent such tragic events.