UN Security Council condemns twin blasts in Iran: Statement

The UN Security Council on Thursday condemned as “reprehensible” the twin bombings in Iran claimed by ISIS, which killed at least 84 people.

The explosions occurred the day prior at a memorial ceremony for slain Revolutionary Guards General Qasem Soleimani on the anniversary of his death in a targeted US drone strike in Baghdad four years ago.

Wednesday’s bombings, which occurred near Soleimani’s tomb in the southern city of Kerman, additionally wounded hundreds.

The Security Council “condemned in the strongest terms the cowardly terrorist attack in the city of Kerman,” its members said in a statement.

ISIS’s claiming of the attack came as Iran observed a day of national mourning on Thursday for those killed.

Although the initial death toll has been revised down from around 100, the UN Security Council statement still held it at “more than 100.”

The Council “reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,” while also expressing its “deepest sympathy and condolences” for the victims’ families and government of Iran.

It additionally urged all states “to cooperate actively” with Iran in holding “perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable.”

“Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” the Security Council statement said.

Iran has suffered deadly attacks in the past from extremists and other militants, as well as targeted killings of officials and nuclear scientists blamed on arch foe Israel.

Regional tensions have surged in the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October.