Two explosions occurred in Qasr-e-Shirin, a city in western Iran, over the weekend, in an area not far from the mausoleum of a slain Iranian commander. At least 39 people were killed, and dozens more were injured in the twin blasts which officials believe are related to the recent ongoing unrest in the region. The casualties were the result of two blasts within a span of six minutes, according to local reports. The first explosion took place outside a shopping centre, the second inside a local gas station near the mausoleum of Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian commander who was killed by the U.S. military in January. Officials believe that the explosions were likely related to Soleimani's death as the region had experienced some unrest and violence in the weeks following his death. The death toll is expected to rise as a number of those injured were hospitalized in critical condition. Local residents claim that some of those injured cannot be identified due to the intensity of the blasts. Iranian authorities have begun an investigation to determine the source of the explosions, though it is believed that the blasts were carried out by a group of extremist rebels. There has been no official statement as to who is behind the attacks. The explosions in Qasr-e-Shirin come at a time when Iran is struggling to contain anti-government protests. For months now, protesters have taken to the streets to express discontent over the country's poor economic conditions and its tense relationship with the U.S. The twin blasts have only served to further heighten tensions in the region, and it is yet to be seen how the Iranian government will respond.