Iran is observing a day of mourning on Thursday after blasts killed at least 84 people marking the anniversary of the death of military commander Qassem Suleimani.
It was the deadliest attack since a 1978 arson incident that killed at least 377, AFP reported.
ISIS on Thursday claimed responsibility for the twin explosions in a statement released by the Amaq news agency, which is affiliated with the group.
Two suicide bombers detonated explosives while mourners gathered at the tomb of Maj Gen Suleimani, “who was involved in dozens of massacres of Muslims in Iraq and Syria”, ISIS said in the statement, published with a photo of the masked fighters standing in front of the group's flag.
It said the attack “dealt a strong security blow to the Iranian government … at a time when several parties are trying to promote the Iranian project in the region".
Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said on Thursday that the death toll stood at 84, with 284 injured. However, the number could change as several of the injured were in critical condition, Iran's Tasnim news agency quoted him as saying during a visit to hospitals in Kerman.
Health Minister Bahram Einollahi earlier revised the overnight death toll of 103 to 95, after it was found that some fatalities had been counted twice
Funerals for the victims are to be held from Friday morning. Iranian authorities called for mass protests over the Kerman blasts after weekly prayers on Friday.
Authorities have yet to announce details on what caused the explosions, but the state-run IRNA news agency quoted an unnamed source on Thursday as saying that investigators believed suicide bombers probably carried out the attack.
Surveillance footage from the route to Kerman's Martyrs' Cemetery shows a man detonating the explosives, the official said.
He added that the second blast “probably” came from another suicide bomber.
State TV broadcast footage of ambulances arriving at the scene of the blasts as people tried to help those injured.
“We were walking towards the cemetery when a car suddenly stopped behind us and a waste bin containing a bomb exploded. We only heard the explosion and saw people falling,” a witness was quoted as saying by the Isna news agency.
Crowds later returned to the Martyrs Cemetery in Kerman and chanted slogans condemning Israel and the US.
In Tehran, thousands gathered at the Grand Mosalla Mosque to pay tribute to Maj Gen Suleimani, the former leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force who was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020.
Maj Gen Suleimani's daughter, Zeinab, called the blasts a “bitter terrorist incident”. “I hope the perpetrators of the crime will be identified and punished for their actions.” she said.
Iranian officials have also described the blasts as a terrorist attack and vowed to retaliate.
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed “evil and criminal enemies of the Iranian nation” and said there would be a “harsh response”.
President Ebrahim Raisi said those behind the explosions would face action. “Undoubtedly, the perpetrators … of this cowardly act will soon be identified and punished for their heinous act by the capable security and law enforcement forces,” he said in a statement.
His senior adviser, Mohammad Jamshidi, accused Israel and the US of being behind the blasts.
“Make no mistake. The responsibility for this crime lies with the US and Zionist regimes and terrorism is just a tool,” he wrote on X.
An Israeli military spokesman declined to comment on the explosions. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said any suggestion of American involvement was “ridiculous” and that Washington had “no reason to believe that Israel was involved”.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Tottenham 0-1 Ajax, Tuesday
Second leg
Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm
Game is on BeIN Sports
Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
Switching%20sides
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GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Thor: Ragnarok
Dir: Taika Waititi
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Tessa Thompson
Four stars
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The UAE's journey to space
if you go
The flights
Direct flights from the UAE to the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, are available with Air Arabia, (www.airarabia.com) Fly Dubai (www.flydubai.com) or Etihad (www.etihad.com) from Dh1,200 return including taxes. The trek described here started from Jomson, but there are many other start and end point variations depending on how you tailor your trek. To get to Jomson from Kathmandu you must first fly to the lake-side resort town of Pokhara with either Buddha Air (www.buddhaair.com) or Yeti Airlines (www.yetiairlines.com). Both charge around US$240 (Dh880) return. From Pokhara there are early morning flights to Jomson with Yeti Airlines or Simrik Airlines (www.simrikairlines.com) for around US$220 (Dh800) return.
The trek
Restricted area permits (US$500 per person) are required for trekking in the Upper Mustang area. The challenging Meso Kanto pass between Tilcho Lake and Jomson should not be attempted by those without a lot of mountain experience and a good support team. An excellent trekking company with good knowledge of Upper Mustang, the Annaurpuna Circuit and Tilcho Lake area and who can help organise a version of the trek described here is the Nepal-UK run Snow Cat Travel (www.snowcattravel.com). Prices vary widely depending on accommodation types and the level of assistance required.
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
