Pompeo: US May Target More Iranian Leaders If Iran Retaliates

Continued reactions to the killing of Qasem Soleimani in a US attack on Baghdad: Pompeo threatened that the US could target 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 attempts to retaliate for the killing of Qasem Soleimani by attacking Americans or American interests, the US military could target more leaders of the country.

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

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

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

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

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

The Iraqi Parliament voted on Sunday for the withdrawal of foreign forces, including US units, from Iraq.

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

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

Reuters reports that Jens Stoltenberg announced that the meeting would be held on Monday, December 26 (January 6).

At this meeting, developments in the region following Qasem Soleimani’s killing in Baghdad will be reviewed.

 

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

Germany, France and Britain, amid escalating tensions between Iran and the US, called “specifically” on Iran to exercise restraint. A spokesperson for the German government said on Sunday evening that Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of Britain, discussed this matter over the phone and are in agreement.

All three politicians believe in efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the US. Furthermore, they believe that Iraq’s national sovereignty and security must be preserved. They are “working with all their might to reduce tensions in the region.”

[23:32] Pompeo’s Response to Iraqi Parliament’s Vote on US Forces Withdrawal

After the Iraqi Parliament voted to withdraw foreign forces, the US Secretary of State implicitly spoke of America’s desire for military presence in Iraq, reminding that this presence is “beneficial to Iraq.”

Mike Pompeo told CBS News that Washington is committed to maintaining a presence in Iraq and fighting terrorism, and considers it beneficial to both countries.

He also recalled that Adel Abdul Mahdi, Prime Minister of Iraq, who called for the immediate withdrawal of American forces in Parliament, “resigned due to countless interventions by Iran 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 the Green Zone of Baghdad.

In these reports, citing Iraqi police, the emergency sirens at the US embassy sounded.

[23:15] Johnson: Soleimani Played a Role in Acts That Led to the Deaths of Thousands of Innocents

Britain’s Prime Minister described Qasem Soleimani’s activities as a factor of “instability” in the region and said that he “bore responsibility for a pattern of destructive and destabilizing behavior in the region that cast him in a leading role in acts that led to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and Western personnel.”

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

He said he had discussed the escalating tensions in the region with Donald Trump, President of the United States, Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, and Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and is working to reduce tensions.

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

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

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

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

[21:57] Pompeo: I Discussed Iran’s Continuous Threats and Provocative Actions with Qatar’s Foreign Minister

The US Secretary of State tweeted about a telephone conversation with his Qatari counterpart and discussions regarding “Iran’s continuous threats and provocative actions.”

Mike Pompeo, in his conversation with Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, thanked him for Qatar’s efforts in de-escalating tensions in the region.

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

The Islamic Republic of Iran on Sunday, December 15 (January 5), announced the fifth and final step in lifting nuclear accord “JCPOA” restrictions through a statement.

According to the government’s news agency: “In the fifth step of reducing its commitments, the Islamic Republic of Iran abandons the final key operational limitation of its JCPOA commitments, namely ‘limitations on the number of centrifuges.’ Thus, Iran’s nuclear program no longer faces any limitations in the operational domain (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 needs.”

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 satisfied with JCPOA benefits, the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to return to its JCPOA commitments.”

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

The German government announced that it would be willing to continue the mission of German military personnel in Iraq if the Iraqi government approves.

A spokesman for Germany’s Defense Ministry, referring to the fact that the German government is closely monitoring the situation in Iraq, told RND network that what is certain is that German soldiers can remain in Iraq as long as the country’s government expresses its desire for their presence.

The Iraqi Parliament voted on Sunday for the withdrawal of five thousand American military personnel 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, threatening to attack Israel in response to Trump’s threat to strike Iran.

He, speaking at Qasem Soleimani’s funeral ceremony in Iran, 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 Charge d’Affaires

Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that in protest of Germany’s “one-sided positions” and in the absence of the German ambassador, it summoned the chargé d’affaires of the German embassy in Tehran.

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

Mehr reported that the chargé d’affaires of the German embassy stated that he would immediately convey the matter to his country.

Reuters reported that a German government spokesman on Friday called the attack that led to Soleimani’s death a “response to Iranian military provocations.”

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

The Secretary General of the Arab League expressed his growing concern over the continuous developments in Iraq in a statement.

According to Reuters, Ahmed Aboul Gheit said in the statement that the region urgently needs calm now, not escalation, inflaming and continuation of conflicts.

Aboul Gheit’s statement comes after tensions escalated between Iran and its 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.”

He told ABC News, with an implicit reference to Iran, that America’s strategy in response to proxy groups in Iraq is to target “actual decision-makers.”

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

[19:52] Ayatollah Sistani Condoled Soleimani’s Killing in a Message

Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of the highest Shiite authorities, in a message to Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, expressed condolences for Qasem Soleimani’s killing.

According to Farsnews, Sistani in this message described the news as “cause for great regret and sorrow” and called Soleimani’s “role” in “fighting ISIS elements in Iraq” “unforgettable.”

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

Muqtada al-Sadr, an influential Shiite cleric in Iraq, in a message to the country’s parliament called for forming “international resistance brigades.”

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

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

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

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

He added that the same suicide forces that had previously expelled America from the region are still present on the scene and have even increased.

[19:24] Cancellation of Soleimani’s Funeral Ceremony at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ public relations announced the cancellation of Qasem Soleimani’s funeral ceremony at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium that was scheduled for 7 PM on Sunday, December 15.

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

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

Chuck Schumer, leader of Senate Democrats, warned Donald Trump, the country’s president, about dragging the country into “a major war.”

According to Reuters, Schumer told ABC News that America does not need a president who drags Americans into such a war with his “reckless words.”

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

 

[18:20] Iraqi Parliament Voted for Withdrawal of All Foreign Forces

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

The resolution prohibits the use of Iraq’s territorial, airspace and maritime boundaries by foreign forces for any reason.

Although this resolution has been approved by the Iraqi Parliament, its implementation is not mandatory for the Iraqi government. However, Adel Abdul Mahdi, Prime Minister of Iraq, had previously said he intended 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 that any potential military action by America against Iran will be in line with international law.

According to the French news agency, Mike Pompeo told ABC News: “We will act lawfully. We will act within the framework of regulations.”

 

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

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

According to Mehr news agency, Hojjat al-Islam Ayoubi considered America’s withdrawal from UNESCO as evidence that “Americans have no regard for human heritage.” He even called expressing this sentence a “crime.”

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

 

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

US-led coalition forces announced that due to recent missile attacks, they are suspending their mission to fight the “Islamic State” (ISIS) in the country.

Given that American forces responsible for training local forces in Iraq have recently faced missile attacks, the coalition announced that these attacks have limited their training mission capabilities and therefore they will review this mission.

 

[17:20] Iraqi Parliament’s Special Session Begins to Decide on Expelling American Forces

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

According to Reuters, Iraqi lawmakers said they convened this session to approve a resolution calling on the government to expel American forces from Iraq.

 

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

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

Mike Pompeo told ABC television network that if the Islamic Republic attempts to plan attacks on American targets, it will face the country’s response.

Pompeo added that he has no doubt that the Islamic Republic’s leadership has received the “message” of Donald Trump, 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, Prime Minister of Iraq, called for de-escalation following Qasem Soleimani’s killing, referring to the dangerous consequences of war.

According to Reuters, Dominic Raab in this conversation, emphasizing the importance of keeping the region and the world away from the dangers of war and its consequences, urged the Iraqi Prime Minister to move toward de-escalation and exit this “dangerous crisis” through dialogue.

 

[16:50] Iraq Summoned US Ambassador in Baghdad

Following 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 soil should not be used for attacks on neighboring countries.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi Parliament convened its emergency session with the presence of Adel Abdul Mahdi, the resigned Prime Minister of the country who is temporarily acting in this capacity. The session is expected to address the plan for the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.

 

[16:40] Brigadier General Dehghan: Iran’s Response to America’s Action Will Definitely Be Military

Advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Armed Forces announced that the country’s reaction to the US government’s action in assassinating Qasem Soleimani will definitely be military.

Brigadier General Hossein Dehghan told CNN that Iran is not seeking war and “it was America that started the war, therefore it should accept appropriate responses to the actions it has taken.”

Dehghan added: “The only thing that can end this round of war is that Americans must receive a blow equivalent to the blow they delivered. After that, they should not seek another round.”

 

[16:20] Dawnoor Responding to Trump’s Threat: We Will Strike American Regions in the Number of Quranic Verses

The chairman of the National Security Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, in response to Trump’s recent threat, said: “If they want to strike 52 points in Iran, we will strike their regions in the number of Quranic verses.”

Mostafa Alaoddin responded: “We have weapons against them in the number of Quranic verses and will strike and target 124,000 of them in the number of prophets. Today, most of their forces in the region are under our fire and missiles. We have weapons against them.”

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

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

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

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

 

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

According to reports, Israel’s security cabinet meeting scheduled to review the possible consequences of Qasem Soleimani’s killing has been postponed to Monday.

The topic of this meeting, which was scheduled for today Sunday, was discussed and consultation on the possibility of Iran’s missile attacks on Israeli targets and preparedness for it.

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

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

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

Dominic Raab, British Foreign Secretary, announced that the US action to attack Qasem Soleimani’s convoy, commander of the Quds Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, falls 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.”

The British Foreign Secretary added that given the duty that General Soleimani held, he was engaged in working with proxy groups and militias that attack Western countries. The right here and under these circumstances is clearly a matter of self-defense.

[15:30] European Union Invited Zarif to Brussels

Based on the European Union’s announcement, Josep Borrell, responsible for foreign policy of the union, in a phone call with Iran’s Foreign Minister, while emphasizing the need for de-escalation, invited Mohammad Javad Zarif to Brussels.

The statement said that Borrell in his conversation with Zarif called “the only way forward” a “regional political solution” and said the European Union is ready to support such a solution.

The foreign policy official of the European Union, while expressing concern about escalating tensions in Iraq, called for Iran’s restraint and caution regarding any response, to prevent further escalation of tensions.

[15:20] Mousavi: America’s Message Was a Rude Letter from Pompeo

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman regarding America’s message to the Islamic Republic following Qasem Soleimani’s killing said that the message was a “rude” and “undiplomatic” letter from Mike Pompeo.

Abbas Mousavi regarding the message transmitted through the Swiss embassy to Iranian officials said: “This message was a letter from the US Secretary of Foreign Affairs that was outside diplomatic procedures, diplomatic protocols and rude. We also reviewed this letter and responded at a lower level than they expected with an appropriate response to US officials.”

Mousavi also denied a delegation from Oman traveling to Iran for mediation, saying: “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 that “an important meeting will be held tonight regarding reducing JCPOA commitments and taking the fifth step, and final decisions will be made on this matter.”

[14:20] Iran Summoned the US Interests Protector for the Third Time

Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran as the protector 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 protector of US interests in Iran.

According to Iranian media reports, during the summons, the “strong protest” of the Islamic Republic against “threatening and law-violating statements and fundamental violations of international norms” was conveyed to the Swiss ambassador in Tehran.

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

Araghchi also, referring to “the US President’s threat to attack cultural centers,” called such a threat “a clear example of war crimes.”

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

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

[14:00] Iran’s Cabinet of Ministers: Tehran Will Be Closed Monday

Iran’s Cabinet of Ministers, to facilitate people’s participation in Qasem Soleimani’s funeral ceremony, declared Monday as a holiday in Tehran.

Ali Rabiei, Iran’s government spokesman, while announcing this news, also announced the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers to declare Kerman province as a holiday on Tuesday (December 17).

Today due to the funeral ceremony of the former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, offices, schools and universities throughout Khuzestan province and the Hashd al-Shaabi deputy and their companions in Ahvaz were closed. Similar ceremonies were held today in Mashhad and are scheduled for tomorrow in Tehran and Tuesday in Qasem Soleimani’s hometown of Kerman.

 

[13:50] Harsh Attack by Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi on Instagram’s Deletion of Soleimani-Related Posts

Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Iran’s Communications Minister, strongly attacked 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 action of deleting posts related to Qasem Soleimani as “censoring the voice of the Iranian and global people” by America, Facebook officials, as the owner of Instagram, said that this action was taken in accordance with American sanctions laws against the Islamic Republic. America has listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its commanders on its terrorism list.

Social media network 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 death and blocked the accounts of some Iranian government officials and media.

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

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

IRNA in a tweet published a photo of the transfer of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis bodies to Mashhad on a passenger aircraft. Then the bodies of the deceased are scheduled 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 Defense Minister of Iran, regarding Qasem Soleimani’s killing, pointed the finger of accusation at Israel and claimed that the country had “individuals on its assassination list” and Qasem Soleimani was also on this list.

Mr. Vahidi, speaking on Saturday evening, December 14 on Iran’s state television, accused Israel of being “at the center of this plot” to kill Qasem Soleimani and according to him “Americans may have been deceived by the Israelis.”

According to Tasnim news agency, this former Quds Force commander, referring to the Islamic Republic’s “response” to America, threatened the country and said: “From now on, they must live in a constant nightmare and this is not something that will end soon. The response may be in the form of a series of events that occur over time. Iran will act skillfully, complicatedly and painfully in its design.”

Ahmad Vahidi in his continued remarks, stating that Americans “crossed lines that they must receive a response to,” also threatened Israel and said: “Israelis must also expect a response. Anyone else who supports this assassination must expect our response. Harsh revenge may be a series of events that holds their breath in their chests and brings them to Iran’s feet to plead that we stop.”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Friday, December 13 held an emergency session with the presence of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, regarding Qasem Soleimani’s killing by America and announced that it would retaliate 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 Operation”

Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, rejected the claim that Qasem Soleimani was planning an “operation in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq against American forces” as a “lie.”

Mr. Larijani in his opening statement today Sunday in the Islamic Consultative Assembly called the killing of the former Quds Force commander in a US drone attack “a great crime” and addressing Donald Trump, US President, said: “Your name will be recorded in the history of the world alongside the crimes of the August 19, 1953 coup and America’s crimes in downing Iran’s civilian passenger plane.”

The Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, while rejecting the claim of Washington regarding Qasem Soleimani’s intention to conduct “imminent operations” against American forces, said: “American officials have said that General Soleimani wanted to conduct operations in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq against American forces. This claim is nothing but a lie. Let the people of America and the representatives in this country’s congress know that the claims of the US President are lies to cover up a war crime and terrorism, and are intended to deceive. If they have documents, make them public.”

Ali Larijani, stating that the recent action of the United States in Iraq is “incompatible with any of the international rules,” added: “The brutal action of the US President is a military terrorist operation that is inherent in the ultimate disrespect for the people of Iraq, which they carried out secretly at night without any authorization.”

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

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

The Taliban of Afghanistan released a statement in response to the killing of Qasem Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

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

The extremist Islamist group, while offering condolences to Qasem Soleimani’s family and calling American forces “savage,” emphasized in their statement that “the struggle against American savagery and occupation in Afghanistan continues.”

The 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 more helpless than ever.”

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

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

 

[11:45] Iran’s Armed Forces Commander Responds to Trump’s Statement About Striking 52 Targets

General Abdolrahim Mousavi today Sunday, in response to a question about recent statements by the US President, said: “In a possible future confrontation, which I doubt they will dare to undertake, it will become clear which country the numbers 5 and 2 belong to.”

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

 

[11:30] Oman Calls 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 enter into dialogue to resolve tensions.

This is while the news network Al-Mayadeen early Sunday reported, citing “informed sources,” that a delegation from Oman that traveled to Tehran for mediation returned without achievements.

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

Meanwhile, Mohammad Javad Zarif and Yousuf bin Alawi, Foreign Ministers of Iran and Oman, discussed regional developments in a phone call last night.

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

Hashd al-Shaabi announced in a statement 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 head of Hashd al-Shaabi, was killed early Friday morning, December 13 in a US drone attack along with Qasem Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, near Baghdad International Airport. Several other Revolutionary Guard Corps officials and Hashd al-Shaabi members were also killed in the attack.

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

The funeral ceremony of the former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, deputy 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 to Ahvaz by air this morning. The funeral ceremony of these two was held in Iraq last day.

 

Source: DW