Kerman, Iran – The United States discreetly alerted Iran of a potential terror attack by ISIS within the country’s borders prior to the recent deadly explosion near the burial site of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. A US official revealed that the warning was based on intelligence obtained about ISIS’ plans and was conveyed to Iran as part of the US government’s “duty to warn” policy, which applies even to adversaries.
This private warning, reported by The Wall Street Journal, holds significance as Iran is not a US partner or ally. Additionally, Iran has been accused of orchestrating a series of attacks by its proxy militias against US personnel in the Middle East. It remains unclear how the US delivered this message to Iran, given the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The US government’s decision to issue the warning stemmed from a longstanding policy aiming to prevent the loss of innocent lives in terrorist attacks. The attack in Kerman, Iran on January 3, 2024, which took place near Soleimani’s burial site, proved to be the deadliest in the country since its 1979 revolution. The explosion resulted in the tragic loss of at least 84 lives and left 284 others injured. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack a day later.
Despite the US warning, the Iranian government was unable to prevent the attack from occurring. The incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by ISIS and raises questions about the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts. CNN has reached out to the Iranian mission to the UN for a comment on the matter.
According to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, any credible and specific information indicating an impending threat of intentional killing, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping should trigger a duty to warn. This obligation extends to both US and non-US individuals.
The revelation of the US warning to Iran provides insights into the complexities of the relationship between the two nations. While they may be adversaries on many fronts, the US still upheld its commitment to prevent harm and loss of life. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing global fight against terrorism and the need for cooperation among nations to address this common threat.
The US government’s “duty to warn” policy emerges as a key pillar in the country’s counterterrorism strategy, indicating a commitment to disrupt potential terrorist plots and protect lives. As ISIS continues to pose a significant threat globally, the incident in Kerman underscores the urgency to identify and thwart such attacks, irrespective of diplomatic relations. The aftermath of the attack also demands an examination of Iran’s security protocols and their effectiveness in safeguarding against extremist threats.
Moving forward, close attention will be paid to the response of Iranian authorities and the international community, as efforts to prevent future attacks are assessed and strengthened. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent danger posed by terrorism and the need for constant vigilance in addressing this ongoing threat.