India expresses 'shock' over twin Iran blasts that killed more than 100

India on Thursday expressed shock and grief over the twin blasts that rocked the Iranian city of Kermin which left more than 100 dead and over 200 injured.

Taking to social media X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal conveyed India's solidarity with the government and people of Iran.

"We are shocked and saddened on the terrible bombings in the Kerman City of Iran. At this difficult time, we express our solidarity with the government and people of Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and with the wounded," he posted.

Explosions happened on death anniversary of Soleimani

The explosions occurred on Wednesday when the government was commemorating commander Qassem Soleimani who was killed by a US drone in 2020.

The attacks took place in the southeastern city of Kerman along the road leading to Kerman’s Martyrs’ Cemetery, around 800 kilometers from the capital Tehran city.

Iranian state television reported the two blasts occurred over a gap of 20 minutes during a crowded fourth-anniversary event at the cemetery where Soleimani is buried, reports Reuters news agency.

An unnamed official told state news agency IRNA that "two explosive devices planted along the road leading to Kerman's Martyrs' Cemetery were detonated remotely by terrorists".

Iran vows revenge

While no one has claimed responsibility, Iranian authorities vowed revenge for the "terror" attacks.

“The evil and criminal enemies of the Iranian nation once again created a disaster and martyred a large number of dear people in Kerman,” Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement. “This disaster will have a harsh response, God willing.”

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, too, vowed harsh punishment for the culprits. “Undoubtedly, the perpetrators … of this cowardly act will soon be identified and punished for their heinous act by the capable security and law enforcement forces. The enemies of the nation should know that such actions can never disrupt the solid determination of the Iranian nation.”

Is Israel involved?

Though Iran has often blamed Israel for any attacks on crowded places or individual people within its borders, Washington on Wednesday said that there was no indication that Tel Aviv was behind the blasts.

“We don’t have any more detail in terms of how it happened or who might be responsible for it,” John Kirby, a White House spokesperson for national security, told reporters.

“We have no indication at this time at all that Israel was involved in any way whatsoever,” he added.

(With inputs from Reuters)