Iranians mourned the lives of tens of people killed in a terrorist attack in the Kerman Province earlier on Wednesday, in a ceremony attended by thousands.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke during the funeral procession held for 89 people killed on Wednesday while attending a massive march held in remembrance of the late Resistance leader martyr Qassem Soleimani. 

During his speech, Raisi pointed to the diligent work of martyr Soleimani who expanded the Resistance movement in the region, forwarding its plans and establishing its long-term programs. In this context, Iran's President shed light on the Palestinian Resistance's successful confrontation of the Israeli occupation, confirming that no one can disregard the role of martyr Soleimani mirrored in today's victories.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi: "The role of Commander Qassem Soleimani cannot but be noticed in the victories achieved by the Resistance today." https://t.co/t9sfbeL9hx

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 5, 2024

Addressing thousands of Iranians, Raisi revealed that an American plot to form another "Israel" in the region was foiled, thanks to martyr Soleimani's efforts, adding that Iran has become a great power as a result of the directives of Seyyed Ali Khamenei and the efforts of martyr Soleimani.

The Iranian President explained that Iran's enemies have taken note of the country's exponentially growing capabilities, adding that the country will hold larger responsibilities toward its martyrs.

Read more: UN Security Council strongly condemns Kerman terrorist attack

Iran will avenge its martyrs

On his part, the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran, Major General Hossein Salami, emphasized that his country would avenge its martyrs.

IRGC Commander-in-chief Major General Hossein Salami: "God willing, we will avenge the blood of all martyrs." https://t.co/4iGICnofBY

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 5, 2024

In the context of his speech where he addressed the enemies of Iran, the IRGC chief said, "America was defeated in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen," while "the Zionist entity's" efforts to "maintain security" failed due to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, which "ended all their efforts."

IRGC Commander-in-chief Major General Hossein Salami: "The #UnitedStates was defeated in #Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Syria, and #Yemen; their blockade was shattered as well." https://t.co/Uz3eIvUJid

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 5, 2024

Salami continued by saying that "the efforts of Hajj Qasem Soleimani eliminated the takfiri (terrorist) movements in the region," adding that they have no substantial geopolitical role.

"We are in amid a major battle, and we will defeat the takfiris every day. We will not allow the enemy to control us, and we will achieve further victories," he said.

Finally, Salami concluded that Iran will always be active on all military fronts, adding that the masses present at the event "are clear proof that we will triumph as a people."

Meanwhile, Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi announced the arrest of a number of elements involved in the Kerman terrorist bombings.

Yesterday, an informed source told the Iranian IRNA agency that preliminary investigations pointed to a detonated bomb attack.

The informed source indicated that the first explosion took place 70 meters away from the shrine of the former commander of al-Quds Force, martyr Qassem Soleimani, while the second was one kilometer away, and both took place outside the designated inspection area.

It is worth noting that the terrorist operation in Kerman comprised two separate suicide bombings, in which 89 people have been killed so far, including 12 children under the age of 15.

The number of martyrs from the bombings has risen to 89 people after some of the wounded succumbed to their injuries, including 12 martyrs under the age of 15.

Read more: International condemnation of bombing in Kerman, Iran