TEHRAN – In a devastating incident that unfolded during a recent terrorist attack in Kerman city, Iran, a single family bore the heart-wrenching loss of nine of its members.

The Soltaninezhads lost 9 of their members in the terrorist attack, which occurred near the tomb of top Iranian anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani during a ceremony marking four years since his martyrdom, has left a community in mourning.

The explosions, claiming 84 innocent lives and leaving over 200 injured, struck particularly hard for this family as they lost multiple generations in the blink of an eye.

The 9th member of this family who lost his life was a 12-year-old boy who succumbed to his injuries and passed away in the local hospital on Friday morning.

The Islamic Republic of Iran declared Thursday a National Day of Mourning, recognizing the gravity of the situation that has befallen the nation. 

In the wake of this heart wrenching incident, condolences and support have poured in from the community and beyond, with officials expressing solidarity. Iran’s Finance Minister, Ehsan Khandouzi, visited the Soltaninezhad family on behalf of President Ebrahim Raisi, conveying condolences and support.

Iranian authorities including the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has vowed a fitting punishment for the perpetrators, seeking justice for the families affected by this senseless act of violence.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on providing support to affected families and fostering resilience within the community. The tragic loss experienced by the Soltaninezhad family highlights the urgent need for collective efforts in confronting and eradicating the threat of terrorism, safeguarding the lives and well-being of innocent civilians.