Pompeo: US May Target More Iranian Leaders If Iran Retaliates

Continuing reactions to Qasem Soleimani’s killing in a US strike in Baghdad: Pompeo threatened that the US could strike more Iranian leaders if Iran retaliates. Germany, France, and Britain called on Iran to exercise restraint.

[00:13] Pompeo: US May Target More Iranian Leaders

The US Secretary of State warned that if Iran seeks to retaliate for Qasem Soleimani’s killing by attacking Americans or US interests, the US military may target more leaders of the country.

According to the Associated Press, Mike Pompeo attempted to clarify US strategy in targeting Soleimani in Baghdad during television interviews.

Iran and Shia groups backed by it have threatened retaliation. In the latest developments, Iraqi police reported the firing of three missiles near the US Embassy in Baghdad.

[00:06] Asaib Ahl al-Haq Leader: US Forces Will Be Considered Occupiers If They Don’t Leave Iraq

Qais Khazali, leader of the Iran-backed Shia group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, warned about the presence of US forces remaining in Iraq.

He said that if US forces do not leave Iraq, they will be considered “occupiers.”

The Iraqi Parliament voted on Sunday to withdraw foreign forces, including US units, from Iraq.

[23:49] NATO to Hold Emergency Meeting to Review Regional Developments

NATO’s Secretary General announced the convening of an emergency session regarding escalating tensions between Iran and the US in Iraq.

Reuters reported that Jens Stoltenberg announced the meeting would be held on Monday, December 16 (January 6).

The session will review regional developments following Qasem Soleimani’s killing in Baghdad.

 

[23:42] Merkel, Macron, and Johnson Called on Iran to Exercise Restraint

Germany, France, and Britain, given the escalating tensions between Iran and the US, called “particularly” on Iran to exercise restraint. A German government spokesperson said on Sunday evening that Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, Emmanuel Macron, French President, and Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister, discussed this matter by telephone and are in agreement.

All three politicians believe in efforts to reduce tension between Iran and the US. Furthermore, they believe that Iraq’s national sovereignty and security must be preserved. They are “exerting every effort to reduce tensions in the region.”

[23:32] Pompeo’s Response to Iraq Parliament’s Resolution on US Forces Withdrawal

The US Secretary of State, following the Iraqi Parliament’s approval of foreign forces withdrawal, implicitly spoke of America’s desire for military presence in Iraq and reminded that this presence is “in Iraq’s interest.”

Mike Pompeo told CBS that Washington is committed to continued presence in Iraq and fighting terrorism, and sees it as beneficial to both countries.

He also reminded that Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraq’s Prime Minister who called for the immediate withdrawal of US forces in parliament, “resigned due to Iran’s countless interventions in his government.”

[23:30] “At Least Two to Three Missiles Hit Near the US Embassy in Baghdad”

International news agencies report that at least two to three missiles struck near the US Embassy in Baghdad’s Green Zone.

According to these reports citing Iraqi police, the US Embassy’s alarm sirens were activated.

[23:15] Johnson: Soleimani Played a Role in Actions Leading to the Deaths of Thousands of Innocent People

Britain’s Prime Minister described Qasem Soleimani’s actions as the cause of “instability” in the region and said he was “responsible for a pattern of destabilizing and destructive behavior in the region that gave him a leading role in actions that led to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and Western personnel.”

Boris Johnson, stating he is not sorry about Soleimani’s killing, added that calls for revenge and retaliation “only lead to more violence in the region” while pointing to Iran’s threat of retaliation.

He said he has discussed the escalating tensions in the region with Donald Trump, US President, Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, and Emmanuel Macron, French President, and is working to reduce tensions.

Johnson added that Britain has taken measures to increase the security of its personnel and interests in the region.

[22:30] Erdogan’s Warning: Don’t Make Iraq a Theater of Conflict Between Iran and the US

Turkey’s President, given the escalating tensions between Iran and the US following Qasem Soleimani’s killing in Baghdad, warned about the possibility of losing stability in the region.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that turning Iraq into a battlefield between Iran and the US would escalate tensions in the region and undermine its stability.

[21:57] Pompeo: I Discussed Iran’s Continued Threats with Qatar’s Foreign Minister

The US Secretary of State tweeted about a telephone conversation with his Qatari counterpart and discussion of “Iran’s continued threatening and provocative actions and measures.”

Mike Pompeo, in a conversation with Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, thanked him for Qatar’s efforts in the path of de-escalation in the region.

[21:54] Islamic Republic of Iran Terminated All JCPOA Restrictions

The Islamic Republic of Iran on Sunday, December 15 (January 5) announced the fifth and final step of terminating restrictions of the nuclear agreement “JCPOA.”

According to the government news agency: “In the fifth step of reducing its commitments, the Islamic Republic of Iran is setting aside the last key operational limitation of the JCPOA, namely the ‘limitation on the number of centrifuges.’ Accordingly, Iran’s nuclear program is no longer subject to any operational limitations (including enrichment capacity, enrichment percentage, amount of enriched material, and research and development) and henceforth Iran’s nuclear program will proceed solely based on its technical requirements.”

The statement emphasized that “Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency will continue as before” and “should sanctions be lifted and Iran be convinced of the benefits of the JCPOA, the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to return to its JCPOA commitments.”

[21:35] German Government Made Military Presence in Iraq Conditional on Iraqi Government Approval

Germany announced it would be willing to continue the military mission of German soldiers in Iraq if approved by the Iraqi government.

The German Defense Ministry spokesman, pointing out that Germany is closely monitoring Iraq’s situation, told RND that what is clear is that German soldiers can remain in Iraq as long as the Iraqi government declares its willingness for their presence.

The Iraqi Parliament voted on Sunday to withdraw five thousand US soldiers from the country.

[21:00] Mohsen Rezaei Warns America: We Will Level Tel Aviv and Haifa to the Ground

Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, threatened to attack Israel in reference to Trump’s threat to attack Iran.

Speaking at Qasem Soleimani’s funeral in Iran, he emphasized: “If America takes action after Iran’s military response, we will level Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground.”

[20:42] Iran Summoned Germany’s Chargé d’Affaires

Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that in the absence of Germany’s Ambassador, it summoned the country’s Chargé d’Affaires in Tehran in protest of Germany’s “one-sided positions.”

According to Mehr news agency, Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that this summons is “following unrealistic, ill-considered, and destructive statements by some German officials in support” of the US attack on the vehicle carrying Qasem Soleimani.

Mehr reported that Germany’s Chargé d’Affaires announced he would immediately convey the matter to his country.

Reuters reported in this regard that a German government spokesperson on Friday called the attack that killed Soleimani “a response to Iran’s military provocations.”

[20:40] Arab League Secretary General Expressed Concern Over Iraq Developments

The Arab League Secretary General in a statement expressed his growing concern about Iraq’s continuous developments.

According to Reuters, Ahmad Aboul Gheit said in the statement that the region currently needs calm, not escalation and continuation of disputes.

Aboul Gheit’s message was released following escalating tensions between Iran and Iran-backed militias on one side and the US on the other.

 

[20:00]

Pompeo: Trump Did Not Say He Would Attack Iran’s Cultural Sites

The US Secretary of State, in response to a question about Donald Trump’s threat to attack 52 sites in Iran, some of which are culturally important, said Trump did not say he would attack “Iran’s cultural sites.”

In an interview with ABC News, he said, with an allusion to Iran, that in response to proxy groups in Iraq, America’s strategy is to target “the real decision-makers.”

Attacking cultural sites is considered a war crime under international law.

[19:52] Ayatollah Sistani Offered Condolences for Soleimani’s Killing

Ayatollah Ali Sistani, a Shia marja, offered condolences to Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, for Qasem Soleimani’s killing.

According to Farsnews, Sistani in this message called the news “a cause of great sorrow and distress” and described Soleimani’s “role” in “the fight against ISIS elements in Iraq” as “unforgettable.”

[19:48] Muqtada al-Sadr Called for Formation of “International Resistance Brigades”

Muqtada al-Sadr, an influential Shia cleric in Iraq, in a message to the Parliament called for the formation of “International Resistance Brigades.”

In this message, he called resistance groups inside and outside Iraq to an emergency meeting to form these brigades.

Sadr thanked the Iraqi Parliament for approving the withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, which occurred following Qasem Soleimani’s killing.

[19:26] Hassan Nasrallah: Americans Will Leave the Region in Disgrace

Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, in a televised message said the US will pay the price for attacking Qasem Soleimani’s vehicle with “just retribution” in attacks on “every soldier, base, and ship” of theirs.

He added that the same suicide bombers who had previously forced America out of the region are still present and have even increased in numbers.

[19:24] Soleimani’s Funeral Ceremony in Tehran’s Prayer Ground Cancelled

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Public Relations Office announced the cancellation of Qasem Soleimani’s funeral ceremony at Tehran’s prayer ground scheduled for 7 PM on Sunday, December 15.

According to khabarOnline, the ceremony has been postponed to Monday, December 16 at Tehran University due to “the late arrival of Soleimani’s body.”

[19:20] Senate Democratic Leader Warns Trump About Entering “a Major War”

Chuck Schumer, leader of the Senate Democrats, warned Donald Trump, the US President, about leading the country into “a major war.”

According to Reuters, Schumer told ABC News that America does not need a president who, with his “unwise words,” is leading the American people into such a war.

He added that he does not think Trump has the authority to enter such a war without congressional approval.

 

[18:20] Iraqi Parliament Voted to Withdraw All Foreign Forces

The Iraqi Parliament voted to withdraw foreign forces from the country. The US-led anti-ISIS coalition mission must also end. This decision means that the Iraqi government has withdrawn its previous request from the international community to cooperate in fighting ISIS.

The resolution prohibits the use of Iraqi land, air, and sea territory by foreign forces for any reason.

Although this resolution passed in the Iraqi Parliament, its implementation is not binding on the Iraqi government. However, Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraq’s Prime Minister, had previously stated that he intends to end the military presence of foreign forces in the country.

 

[17:50]

Pompeo’s Response to Trump’s Threat to Attack Iran’s Cultural Centers

The US Secretary of State says any potential military action by America against Iran will be in line with international law.

According to France’s news agency, Mike Pompeo said in an interview with ABC News: “We will act legally. We will act within the bounds of regulations.”

 

[17:40] Iran to Send Protest Letter to UNESCO Regarding Trump’s Threat

Iran’s UNESCO National Commission Secretary General announced the decision to send a protest letter against the US President’s threat to attack 52 sites, including Iran’s cultural centers.

According to Mehr, Hojjatollah Ayobi considered America’s withdrawal from UNESCO as evidence that “Americans do not value human heritage.” He even called making this statement a “crime.”

Donald Trump had threatened on Saturday evening on his Twitter account that if the Islamic Republic endangers American interests, 52 Iranian targets would be hit “very hard.” This number symbolizes the 52 Americans taken hostage after the occupation of the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979.

 

[17:30] Coalition Forces Announced Suspension of War Against ISIS in Iraq

The US-led coalition announced that due to recent missile attacks, it is suspending its mission to fight the “Islamic State” (ISIS) in the country.

Given that American forces tasked with training local forces in Iraq have been facing recent missile attacks, the coalition announced that these attacks have limited the ability of its training missions, and therefore will review this mission.

 

[17:20] Iraqi Parliament Special Session Began to Decide on US Forces Expulsion

A special session of the Iraqi Parliament to review the plan for US forces withdrawal began with the presence of Adel Abdul Mahdi, the country’s Prime Minister.

According to Reuters, Iraqi lawmakers said they convened the session to pass a resolution demanding the government remove US forces from Iraq.

 

[17:10] Pompeo: I Have No Doubt Iran Has Received Trump’s Message

The US Secretary of State said it is “absolutely clear” that with Qasem Soleimani’s killing, the world has become safer.

Mike Pompeo also warned in an interview with ABC News that if the Islamic Republic seeks to plan attacks on American targets, it will face this country’s response.

Pompeo added that he has no doubt that the Islamic Republic’s leadership has received the “message” of Donald Trump, the US President.

 

[17:00] British Foreign Secretary Emphasizes Need to Exit “Dangerous Crisis”

Britain’s Foreign Secretary, in a telephone conversation with Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraq’s Prime Minister, called for tension reduction following Qasem Soleimani’s killing while pointing to the dangerous consequences of war.

According to Reuters, Dominic Raab in this conversation, emphasizing the importance of keeping the region and world away from war dangers and its consequences, highlighted the importance of moving toward de-escalation to Iraq’s Prime Minister for a shift toward dialogue and exit from this “dangerous crisis.”

 

[16:50] Iraq Summoned US Ambassador in Baghdad

In the context of reactions to Qasem Soleimani’s killing in a US drone attack, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry summoned the US Ambassador in Baghdad.

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry announced that in the summons meeting, the US Ambassador was told that this country’s territory should not be used for attacks on neighboring countries.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi Parliament began its emergency session with the presence of Adel Abdul Mahdi, the country’s resigned Prime Minister who is temporarily overseeing the position. The session will address the plan for US forces withdrawal from Iraq.

 

[16:40] Sardar Dehqan: Iran’s Response to US Action Will Definitely Be Military

An advisor to Iran’s Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that this country’s reaction to the US government’s action in assassinating Qasem Soleimani will definitely be military.

Sardar Hossein Dehqan told CNN that Iran is not seeking war and “it was America that started the war, so it must accept appropriate responses to the actions it has taken.”

Dehqan added: “The only thing that can end this round of war is that the Americans must receive a blow equivalent to the one they have dealt. After that, they should not pursue a new round.”

 

[16:20] Zolnour in Response to Trump’s Threat: We Will Strike American Regions as Numerous as Quranic Verses

The head of the National Security Commission of the Iranian Parliament in response to Trump’s recent threat said: “If they want to strike 52 Iranian sites, we will strike their regions as numerous as the verses of the Quran.”

Mojtaba Zolnour added: “We have weapons numbering the verses of the Quran against them and will strike 124,000 people, numbering the prophets, and target them. Today, the majority of their forces in the region are under our weapons fire.”

Donald Trump, the US President, threatened the Islamic Republic early on Sunday in a series of tweets that if it attacks US citizens or interests, 52 Iranian sites will be targeted “very hard and very fast.”

[16:20] Pope Francis Called on Iran and America to Exercise Restraint

Following escalating tensions between Iran and the US after Qasem Soleimani’s killing, Pope Francis, leader of the world’s Catholics, called on the warring parties to exercise restraint.

Pope Francis said today in Vatican: “War only brings death and destruction.”

 

[16:10] Israel’s Security Cabinet Meeting Postponed to Monday

According to media reports, Israel’s security cabinet meeting, scheduled to discuss the possible consequences of Qasem Soleimani’s killing, was postponed to Monday.

The meeting, planned for Sunday, was to discuss and consult on the possibility of an Iranian missile attack on Israeli targets and preparation for it.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu today again thanked the US for killing the former Quds Force commander and said: “Qasem Soleimani was responsible for the deaths of numerous American citizens and many other innocent people in recent decades and currently.”

Israel’s Prime Minister also added: “Soleimani directed, planned, and executed numerous terrorist attacks throughout the Middle East and elsewhere.”

[15:50] British Foreign Secretary: Recent US Action Constitutes Self-Defense Under Current Circumstances

Dominic Raab, Britain’s Foreign Secretary, announced that the US action to attack Qasem Soleimani’s convoy, the former Quds Force commander, fell within the framework of self-defense.

Raab on Sunday, January 5 in an interview with BBC, in response to the question of whether there is such a thing as “legal” killing emphasized: “There is a right to self-defense.”

Britain’s Foreign Secretary added that based on the role of General Soleimani, he was engaged in working with proxy groups and militias that attack Western countries. The right here and under these circumstances clearly means the right to self-defense.

[15:30] European Union Invited Zarif to Brussels

Based on the European Union’s announcement, Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, in a telephone contact with Iran’s Foreign Minister, while emphasizing the need for de-escalation, invited Mohammad Javad Zarif to Brussels.

The statement said Borrell told Zarif that “the only way to move forward” is through “a regional political solution” and said the European Union is ready to support such a solution.

The EU’s foreign policy chief also expressed concern about the escalation of tensions in Iraq and called for Iran’s restraint and reflection and caution regarding any reaction to prevent the spread of tensions.

[15:20] Mousavi: America’s Message Was an Impolite Letter from Pompeo

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman said that America’s message to the Islamic Republic following Qasem Soleimani’s killing was an “impolite” and “unconventional diplomatic” letter from Mike Pompeo.

Abbas Mousavi regarding this message, which was conveyed to Iranian officials through Switzerland’s embassy, said: “This message was a letter from the US Foreign Secretary that was outside diplomatic procedure, diplomatic protocol, and impolite. We also examined this letter and responded at a lower level than they expected with a response befitting US officials.”

Mousavi also, while denying a delegation from Oman’s visit to Iran for mediation, said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Foreign Ministry do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, as we have proceeded with this policy and strategy during this period.”

According to ISNA, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman also announced: “Tonight an important meeting will be held regarding the reduction of JCPOA commitments and taking the fifth step, and final decisions will be made on this matter.”

[14:20] Iran Summoned Swiss Ambassador as US Interests Custodian for the Third Time

The Islamic Republic’s Foreign Ministry summoned Switzerland’s Ambassador in Tehran as the custodian of US interests in Iran in protest of Trump’s recent statements. This is the third time in recent days that the Islamic Republic has summoned the custodian of US interests in Iran.

According to Iranian media, in the course of this summons, “strong protest” of the Islamic Republic against “threatening, law-violating, and fundamentally abnormal international statements” was conveyed to Switzerland’s Ambassador in Tehran.

Abbas Araghchi, the Political Deputy of Iran’s Foreign Minister, in the summons meeting said: “The hostile, threatening, and abnormal statements of the US President are by no means acceptable and constitute a complete violation of international law.”

Araghchi also, in reference to “the US President’s threat to attack cultural centers,” described such threats as “a blatant example of a war crime.”

Iran’s Foreign Policy Deputy, referring to the killing of the former Quds Force commander by US forces, emphasized: “The Islamic Republic, in addition to all political and legal measures, preserves its indisputable right to respond to the assassination of Martyr Commander Qasem Soleimani at a time and place it deems appropriate.”

Donald Trump, the US President, threatened the Islamic Republic early on Sunday in a series of tweets that if it attacks US citizens or interests, 52 Iranian sites will be targeted “very hard and very fast.” Trump had said that some of the targets identified are at high levels and are “very important to Iran and Iranian culture.”

[14:00] Iran’s Government: Tehran Will Be Closed on Monday

Iran’s Cabinet, to facilitate public participation in Qasem Soleimani’s funeral ceremony, declared Monday closed in Tehran.

Ali Rabiei, Iran’s Government Spokesman, while announcing this news, also announced the Cabinet’s decision to close Kerman Province on Tuesday (December 17).

Today, due to the funeral of the former Quds Force commander, offices, schools, and universities throughout Khuzestan Province were closed. Similar ceremonies were held today in Mashhad and are scheduled to be held tomorrow in Tehran and on Tuesday in Soleimani’s hometown of Kerman.

 

[13:50] Azari Jahromi Harshly Criticized Instagram’s Deletion of Soleimani-Related Posts

Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Iran’s Communications Minister, harshly criticized Instagram for deleting posts related to Qasem Soleimani and said: “We will definitely stand against this action.”

While Iran’s Communications Minister described Instagram’s deletion of Soleimani-related posts as “censoring the voice of the Iranian and world people” by America, Facebook officials as Instagram’s parent company said this action was taken to comply with US sanctions laws against the Islamic Republic. America has placed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its commanders on its terrorist list.

Instagram, following the killing of the former Quds Force commander in a US drone attack, deleted posts by some Iranian users regarding Qasem Soleimani’s killing and blocked pages of several Iranian government officials and media.

In addition to deleting some posts related to Qasem Soleimani, Instagram also blocked the account of Ahmad Alamolhoda, Friday Imam of Mashhad, and pages of Tasnim News Agency affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Journalists Club affiliated with Iran’s state radio and television.

[13:40] Transfer of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s Bodies to Mashhad

The state broadcasting agency tweeted a photo of the transfer of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s bodies to Mashhad in a passenger aircraft. The bodies are then to be transferred to Tehran.

[13:30] Former Quds Force Commander: Israel Was at the Center of the Plot

Ahmad Vahidi, former commander of the Quds Force and former Iranian Defense Minister, in connection with Qasem Soleimani’s killing pointed an accusatory finger at Israel and claimed that the country “had people on its assassination list” and Soleimani was on that list.

Mr. Vahidi, speaking on Iran’s state television on Saturday evening, accused Israel of being “at the center of this conspiracy” to kill Soleimani and according to him “perhaps the Americans fell for the Israelis’ deception.”

According to Tasnim News Agency, this former Quds Force commander, referring to the Islamic Republic’s “response” to America, threatened the country and said: “They must live in a constant nightmare from now on and this is not something that will end soon. The response might be in the form of a series of events that occur over time. Iran will act cleverly, intricately, and painfully in its design.”

Ahmad Vahidi, continuing his remarks and stating that Americans “crossed borders that they must receive a response for,” also threatened Israelis and said: “Israelis must also wait for our response. Whoever else supports this assassination must wait for our response. Severe revenge may be a series of events that take their breath away and bring them to Iran’s feet to beg us to stop.”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council held an emergency session on Friday, December 13 with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, regarding Qasem Soleimani’s killing by America and announced that it will take revenge for this action “at the appropriate time and place” from the United States.

[12:30] Ali Larijani Rejected America’s Claim About Soleimani’s “Imminent Operations”

Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, called the claim that Qasem Soleimani was planning “operations in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq against American forces” a “lie.”

Mr. Larijani, in his speech before order today in the Iranian Parliament, called the killing of the former Quds Force commander in a US drone attack “a major crime” and addressing Donald Trump, US President, said: “Your name in world history will be recorded alongside the crimes of the August 28 coup and America’s crimes in the downing of Iran’s civilian aircraft.”

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament also, while rejecting Washington’s claim about Soleimani’s intention for “imminent operations” against US forces, said: “American officials said Commander Soleimani wanted to conduct operations in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq against American forces. This claim is nothing but a lie. The American people and Congress must know that the US President’s claim is a lie to cover up a war crime and terrorist act with intent to deceive. If they have evidence, let them make it public.”

Ali Larijani also, stating that the recent US action in Iraq “is not compatible with any international rules,” added: “The barbaric action of the US President is a war terrorist operation that contains the utmost disrespect for the Iraqi people, which they carried out secretly and without any authorization.”

The US President and other American officials called Soleimani’s killing “a defensive action” and said the former Quds Force commander traveled to the country to plan “an imminent attack” on US targets in Iraq and that their goal in eliminating him was to prevent this attack. Trump had said this action was not to start but to “prevent” war.

[12:00] Taliban Afghanistan Statement Regarding Qasem Soleimani’s Killing

Taliban Afghanistan released a statement in reaction to the killing of Qasem Soleimani, former Quds Force commander.

In this statement dated Saturday, December 14 (January 4), Qasem Soleimani’s killing by US forces was called “a major adventure” and warning was given about its consequences.

The extremist Islamic group, while offering condolences to Soleimani’s family and calling US forces “savage,” emphasized in its statement that “the struggle against American barbarism and occupation in Afghanistan continues.”

Taliban also announced: “America’s behavior following General Soleimani’s killing and Trump’s fear of taking responsibility for this killing shows that America is weaker than ever.”

This is while Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan, on Friday, December 13, in a statement in reaction to Qasem Soleimani’s killing, expressed concern about the “possibility of escalation of violence in the region.”

Afghanistan’s President in his statement referred to Iran as a “great neighbor” and to America as a “strategic and fundamental partner” of his country and asked the warring parties to prevent escalation of tensions. Ashraf Ghani also assured that no country would be allowed to use Afghan territory for regional disputes.

 

[11:45] Iran’s Army Commander’s Response to Trump’s Statement About Striking 52 Targets

General Abdolrahim Mousavi today, Sunday, in response to a question about the recent statements of the US President, said: “In a potential future conflict, which I believe they do not have the courage to undertake, it will become clear where these numbers 5 and 2 belong.”

Donald Trump had threatened on Saturday evening on his Twitter account that if the Islamic Republic endangers American interests, 52 Iranian sites would be targeted “very hard.” This number symbolizes the 52 Americans taken hostage in 1979 after the occupation of the US Embassy in Tehran.

 

[11:30] Oman Called for Dialogue Between Iran and America

Oman’s state news agency announced that the country has called on the United States and the Islamic Republic to engage in dialogue to ease tensions.

This is while the al-Mayadeen news network reported early on Sunday that a delegation from Oman that traveled to Tehran for mediation has returned without success.

According to this news network close to Hezbollah, the Islamic Republic told the Omani delegation that it would not accept any mediation. According to this report, the members of the Omani delegation left the country without meeting with Iranian officials.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Javad Zarif and Yusuf bin Alawi, Foreign Ministers of Iran and Oman, discussed regional developments in a telephone conversation last evening.

[11:00] Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s Body Transferred to Iran for DNA Testing

Hashd al-Shaabi announced that the body of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was transferred to Iran for DNA testing and after testing will be returned to Iraq for burial in Wadi al-Salam cemetery in Najaf.

Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Deputy Commander of Hashd al-Shaabi, was killed in the early morning hours of Friday, December 13 in a US drone attack along with Qasem Soleimani, Quds Force commander, near Baghdad airport. Several other Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials and Hashd al-Shaabi members were also killed in the attack.

[11:00] Funeral Procession of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis Began in Ahvaz

The funeral procession of the former Quds Force commander, Deputy Commander of Hashd al-Shaabi, and their companions began today, Sunday, December 15 from 7 AM in Ahvaz. Offices, schools, and universities throughout Khuzestan Province are closed.

The bodies of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were transferred by air to Ahvaz this morning. The funeral procession of these two was held in Iraq yesterday.