In a statement issued on Thursday, the UN Security Council strongly denounced the fatal terrorist attack in the city of Kerman, Iran, which has claimed the lives of over 100 people.

"The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the cowardly terrorist attack in the city of Kerman, the Islamic Republic of Iran, on 3 January 2024. This reprehensible act of terrorism resulted in the grievous loss of more than 100 lives, including children and women, and has left 211 others injured, some in critical condition," the statement said.

On Wednesday, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Iran reported that a massive explosion in the city of Kerman in Iran has resulted in the death of more than a hundred people.

The explosion was the result of a terrorist attack and was taking place in a crowd of people who had gathered to commemorate the death of martyr General Qassem Soleimani.

Read more: Kerman bombing official toll: 84 dead, 284 wounded

Two explosions took place on two different roads leading up to the cemetery, 10 minutes apart, according to the governor of Kerman.

According to our correspondent, the first explosion targeted people commemorating the fourth anniversary of martyr Soleimani's martyrdom, while the second targeted security forces organizing the processions.

Commenting on the terrorist attack, Iranian Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi said that the response to this "cowardly act will be decisive." Minister Vahidi said that the second bombing occurred as citizens were gathering to rescue the victims of the first bombing. 

IRGC: Kerman terror attacks failed to undermine security, unity

In a strongly-worded statement released on Thursday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) condemned the terrorist attacks as an "indiscriminate and spiteful" act aimed at sowing insecurity in the country.

Attributing the attack to "cowardly enemies," the IRGC asserted that it was a failed attempt to undermine the nation's unity, particularly the strong support for General Soleimani among the Iranian populace. The statement warned that Iran is determined to continue on the path set by General Soleimani and thwart any evil intentions by its adversaries.

The IRGC further emphasized that the terrorists' actions demonstrated their inability to compensate for the defeats they suffered before the military prowess of General Soleimani. Despite the heinous bombings, the statement underscored that acts of terror would not fracture Iran's cohesion and security.

Read more: Sayyed Khamenei: Severe response awaits perpetrators of Kerman attack