The explosions targeted a commemoration for a prominent general slain in a U.S. drone strike in 2020. While Israel has carried out attacks in Iran over its nuclear program, it has conducted targeted assassinations, not mass-casualty bombings. Sunni extremist groups including the Islamic State group have conducted large-scale attacks in the past that killed civilians in Shiite-majority Iran, though not in relatively peaceful Kerman. The country also has been targeted by exile groups in attacks dating back to the turmoil surrounding its 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran has multiple foes who could be behind the assault, including exile groups, militant organizations and state actors.

Source: ABC News January 03, 2024 17:06 UTC