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Iranian News Agencies: Explosions Occurred in Karbala

Feb 2, 2026 February 2, 2026 2 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Explosions have occurred in Karbala, Iraq, where millions of Shia pilgrims are gathered for the Arbaeen ceremony. While there are reports of injuries, no Iranian casualties have been confirmed. This incident highlights ongoing security concerns during significant religious events in the region.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The explosions during a major religious event highlight ongoing security concerns in Iraq and the importance of protecting pilgrims.

👥 Key Players

Iranian State News Agencies MENTIONED
Reporting on the incident
"They shape public perception and government narrative regarding security and religious events."
Mostafa Qasemi MENTIONED
Head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Representation in Iraq
"He oversees Iranian pilgrims during significant religious events and provides updates on their safety."
Iraqi Officials MENTIONED
Managing security during the pilgrimage
"They are responsible for the safety of millions of pilgrims and the stability of Iraq during high-profile events."

📰 What Happened

Explosions occurred in Karbala, Iraq, where millions of Shia pilgrims are gathered for the Arbaeen pilgrimage. Although there are reports of injuries, no Iranian casualties have been confirmed.

  • Over 17 million Shia pilgrims participated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage, with significant numbers from Iran.
  • Explosions were attributed to mortar attacks or mini-Katyushas, raising security concerns.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: The safety of Iranian pilgrims is a priority for the Iranian government, and incidents like this can affect public sentiment and trust in authorities.
🌍 Regional: The security situation in Iraq impacts regional stability, especially for Shia communities across the Middle East.
🌐 International: International observers may view this incident as indicative of broader security issues in Iraq and the influence of militant groups.

📚 Background

The Arbaeen pilgrimage commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, attracting millions of Shia Muslims each year. Such large gatherings can be targets for extremist violence.

Shia-Sunni relations Religious pilgrimages and security
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
Iranian state media may emphasize the safety of Iranian citizens and downplay the severity of incidents to maintain public confidence.

Iranian state news sources report that explosions have occurred in Karbala, where millions of Shia Muslims have gathered for the Arbaeen pilgrimage. The official Islamic Republic news agency, IRNA, states that these explosions were caused by 'mortar attacks' or 'mini-Katyushas' targeting 'areas around the city of Karbala.' As of early Friday, December 21, IRNA reports that there have been no reports of casualties or injuries among Iranian citizens. Mostafa Qasemi, the head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Representation in Iraq, told the news agency, 'We have learned that several people have been injured in these attacks, but we have not yet received any reports of Iranian pilgrims among the injured.' Fars news agency also released a video showing a house with shrapnel visible on its wall, with a group of Persian speakers stating that the nighttime explosion did not harm anyone. Fars, citing 'unofficial sources,' reported that 'only one explosion occurred near the shrine of the third Shia Imam, which did not result in any casualties.' ISNA news agency reported the discovery of a bomb-laden vehicle on the route of Shia pilgrims in southern Baghdad, quoting an Arabic-language news network that stated the vehicle was detonated by those who discovered it. Iraqi officials report that over 17 million Shia pilgrims have participated in the commemoration of the 40th day since the death of the third Shia Imam, a number that is unprecedented. According to AFP, four and a half million of these pilgrims are from 60 different countries, with 13 million being Iraqis themselves. The head of Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization stated on Thursday, December 20, that the Iran-Iraq border in Mehran city, Ilam province, was closed due to 'lack of facilities' and the presence of over one million Iranian pilgrims on the other side of the border 'from Iraq.'

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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