Iran Press/ Iran news: In a statement released on Saturday, the ministry said its forces had apprehended "one of the ring leaders and main plotters" of the attacks, identifying him as Abdullah Quetta.
According to the statement, the intelligence obtained from Quetta has played a "significant role" in uncovering "many Takfiri conspiracies" and identifying other major elements involved in the plot. The ministry said this information is still being utilized in the ongoing investigation.
The bombings, which occurred in January, killed at least 96 people and were claimed by the Islamic State (ISIL) terrorist group. In the aftermath, Iranian authorities had previously announced the arrest of 48 Iranian and foreign nationals, 11 of whom remain in custody.
Mehdi Bakhshi, the prosecutor general of Kerman Province, had provided these details in June, underscoring the gravity of the attack, which was the deadliest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The ministry's statement suggests that the arrest of Quetta, described as a central figure in orchestrating the bombings, represents a significant breakthrough in the investigation. It also indicates that the Iranian security apparatus is continuing its efforts to uncover the full scope of the plot and apprehend any remaining accomplices.
The deadly attack in Kerman had sparked outrage and grief across Iran, with authorities vowing to pursue and punish those responsible.
The ministry's latest announcement suggests that the Iranian government is determined to hold the perpetrators accountable and disrupt any further plans for terrorist activities within the country.
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