A bag packed with explosives was placed at the scene and may have been detonated remotely. The sudden explosion caused panic among the crowd, leading to widespread chaos as people fled in confusion. The death toll was initially reported as over 100 but was later revised to 84.

　　On January 3, 2024, a double explosion occurred during a memorial ceremony for Qasem Soleimani, former commander of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, in Kerman, southeastern Iran, killing at least 84 people and injuring more than 200. Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2020. This day marked the fourth anniversary of his death, with many supporters gathered around the cemetery.

　The explosions occurred near the Martyrs' Cemetery close to the Sahib al-Zaman Mosque in Qom, Soleimani's hometown, about 15 minutes apart. The first explosion reportedly occurred about 700 meters from the graves, and the second about 1 kilometer away. According to Iranian reports, bags packed with explosives may have been placed and detonated remotely. The sudden explosions caused panic among the crowd at the scene, leading to widespread chaos as people fled. The death toll was initially reported as over 100 but was later revised to 84.

　　The Iranian government declared the incident a terrorist attack. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed severe retaliation, accusing “evil and criminal enemies” of involvement. President Ebrahim Raisi also strongly condemned the attack, canceling his planned visit to Turkey and designating the following day as a national day of mourning. Iran claimed the United States and Israel were behind the attack.

　　However, the United States explicitly denied involvement, with a State Department spokesperson stating neither the U.S. nor its ally Israel was involved. Israel also refrained from official comment, with a military spokesperson explaining they were currently focused on combat operations against Hamas.

　　The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the killing of a Hamas leader in Lebanon the previous day. After the incident, crowds gathered again in Kerman, protesting and chanting “Death to Israel” and “Death to America.” Thousands also gathered in Tehran for a memorial rally.

　　Condemnation poured in from the international community. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the European Union (EU) strongly criticized the incident. Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, conveyed condolences to the Iranian Foreign Minister. Furthermore, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned it as a brutal act that killed people who had peacefully visited a cemetery. Hamas and Saudi Arabia also condemned the incident, with many countries expressing condolences for the victims and solidarity with the Iranian people.