Iran's UN envoy says the country is to use "all available mechanisms" to ensure accountability for the perpetrators of earlier hugely deadly terror attacks that targeted the southwestern Iranian city of Kerman.
Amir Saeid Iravani, the Islamic Republic’s permanent ambassador to the United Nations, made the remarks in a letter to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the world body's Security Council on Wednesday.
Hours earlier, at least 103 people were killed and 211 others injured in two explosions that took place near the burial site of Iran’s former senior anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.
Iravani denounced the blasts as "a heinous terrorist act and an appalling crime."
'Premeditated crime'
"This reprehensible act," the ambassador said, "deliberately targeted innocent people."
The envoy asserted that comprehensive investigations were underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and organizers of this "premeditated crime."
He reiterated that Iran remained "steadfast" in both the pursuit of justice for the victims and the country's ongoing fight against terrorism.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said the Islamic Republic had started taking "legal measures" through the United Nations as part of its efforts to ensure accountability for those responsible for the Kerman attacks.
Hamas: Iran terror blasts in line with Israel interests
Condemnations have been pouring in following the blasts.
The Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas condemned the attacks, which it considered to be "in the service of the Zionist regime's interests and its sinister plans against the security and safety of the people of the region."
Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry also denounced the terror attacks, expressing condolences towards the Islamic Republic.
Leaders from Russia, Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, and other countries from across the globe have also released statements in condemnation of the tragedy.