US Warned Iran About Impending Attack by ISIS-K Prior to Kerman Blasts, Says US Official

Recently, a US official revealed that the United States had privately warned Iran about intelligence indicating that ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) was planning a terrorist attack in Kerman, prior to the deadly bombings that claimed the lives of 95 people.

Policy of "Duty to Warn"

The US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that it is consistent with the US policy of a "duty to warn" other governments of potential lethal threats. While the specific method of conveying the warning to Iran was not disclosed due to the absence of diplomatic relations, the official emphasized that issuing such warnings aims to prevent innocent lives from being lost in terror attacks.

Iran's Response and Allegations

Despite the US government's warning, Iranian state media has not acknowledged receiving this information, and there has been no immediate response from Iran's mission to the United Nations. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the January 3 attack in Kerman, which targeted a commemoration for the late Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

Geopolitical Ramifications

In the aftermath of the attack, Iran has sought to attribute blame to the US and Israel, amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, Iran launched missile attacks on Iraq and Syria, and subsequently engaged in strikes on nuclear-armed Pakistan, escalating tensions in the region.

Background and Context

The Wall Street Journal first reported the US government's warning to Iran. Notably, ISIS-K was also responsible for the deadly suicide bombing at Kabul airport in August 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 13 US troops and around 170 Afghans during the tumultuous US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The group, which poses a significant military threat to the Taliban and remains their key adversary, has continued to carry out attacks within Afghanistan as well as in other regions following the Taliban's assumption of power.