Pompeo: If Iran Retaliates, U.S. May Target More Iranian Leaders

Continuing reactions to the killing of Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. attack in Baghdad: Pompeo threatened that the United States could target more Iranian leaders if Iran retaliates. Germany, France, and Britain have called on Iran to exercise restraint.

[00:13] Pompeo: U.S. May Target More Iranian Leaders

The U.S. Secretary of State warned that if Iran attempts to retaliate for the killing of Qasem Soleimani by attacking Americans or American interests, the U.S. military may target more leaders of the country.

According to the Associated Press, Mike Pompeo made the statement during television interviews in an attempt to clarify American strategy in targeting Soleimani in Baghdad.

Iran and Shia groups supported by the country have threatened retaliation. In the latest developments, Iraqi police reported the firing of three missiles near the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
[00:06] Leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq: If American Forces Do Not Leave Iraq, They Will Be Considered Occupiers

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

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

The Iraqi Parliament voted on Sunday for the withdrawal of foreign forces, including U.S. units, from Iraq.
[23:49] NATO Convenes Extraordinary Meeting to Discuss Regional Developments

The NATO Secretary General announced the convening of an extraordinary meeting regarding escalating tensions between Iran and the United States in Iraq.

According to Reuters, Jens Stoltenberg said the meeting will be held on Monday, December 26 (January 6).

The meeting will review developments in the region following the killing of Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.

 

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

Germany, France, and Britain, in light of escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, have called on Iran “in particular” to exercise restraint. A German government spokesperson said on Sunday evening that Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of Britain, had discussed the matter by telephone and agreed on the same approach.

All three leaders believe in efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States. Moreover, they believe that Iraq’s national sovereignty and security should be preserved. They are “making every effort to reduce tensions in the region.”

[23:32] Pompeo’s Response to Iraqi Parliament’s Resolution on Withdrawal of American Forces

After the Iraqi Parliament voted on the withdrawal of foreign forces, the U.S. Secretary of State alluded to America’s desire for a military presence in Iraq and recalled that this presence is “in Iraq’s interest.”

Mike Pompeo said in an interview with CBS that Washington is committed to continued presence in Iraq and fighting terrorism, which it considers in the interest of 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 Iran’s countless interference in his government.”
[23:30] “Multiple Missiles Struck Near U.S. Embassy in Baghdad”

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

According to Iraqi police in these reports, the alarm sirens of the U.S. embassy sounded.
[23:15] Johnson: Soleimani Played a Role in Acts Leading to the Deaths of Thousands of Innocent People

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

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

He said he has discussed the rising 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 measures to increase the security of its personnel and interests in the region.
[22:30] Erdogan Warns: Do Not Turn Iraq into a Battlefield Between Iran and America

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

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that turning Iraq into a battlefield between Iran and America would escalate tensions in the region and undermine its stability.
[21:57] Pompeo: I Discussed Iran’s Continuous Threats with Qatar’s Foreign Minister

The U.S. Secretary of State tweeted about his telephone conversation with his Qatari counterpart and discussions about “Iran’s continuous threatening and provocative actions.”

Mike Pompeo, in his conversation with Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, thanked Qatar for its efforts in de-escalation in the region.
[21:54] Islamic Republic of Iran Lifted All Nuclear Deal Constraints

The Islamic Republic of Iran announced on Sunday, December 25 (January 5), through an official statement, the implementation of the fifth and final step of lifting restrictions of the nuclear deal “JCPOA.”

According to the government news agency: “In the fifth step of reducing its commitments, the Islamic Republic of Iran is abandoning the last key operational constraint of the JCPOA, namely the ‘limitation on the number of centrifuges.’ As a result, the nuclear program of the Islamic Republic of Iran is no longer facing any limitation in the operational domain (including enrichment capacity, enrichment level, amount of enriched material, and research and development), and henceforth Iran’s nuclear program will proceed solely based on its technical needs.”

The statement emphasizes that “Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency will continue as before” and “if sanctions are lifted and Iran is satisfied with the benefits of the JCPOA, the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to return to its commitments under the JCPOA.”

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

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

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

The Iraqi Parliament voted on Sunday to withdraw 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, alluded to Trump’s threat to attack Iran by threatening to attack Israel.

Speaking at the funeral ceremony of Qasem Soleimani 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 Charge d’Affaires of German Embassy

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

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

Mehr reported that the German charge d’affaires said he would immediately convey the matter to his country.

Reuters reported in this regard that a German government spokesman on Friday called the attack that led to Soleimani’s death a “response to Iran’s military provocations.”
[20:40] Arab League Secretary General Expressed Concern Over Iraqi Developments

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

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

Aboul Gheit’s message was issued after tensions escalated between Iran and Iranian-backed militias on one side and the United States on the other.

 

[20:00]

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

The U.S. 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 that Trump did not say he would attack “Iran’s cultural sites.”

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

Attacking cultural sites is considered a war crime under international law.
[19:52] Ayatollah Sistani Offered Condolences on Soleimani’s Death

Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of the Shia’s sources of emulation, offered condolences to Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, on the killing of Qasem Soleimani.

According to Farsnews, Sistani in this message called the news “deeply regrettable and affecting” and described Soleimani’s “role” in “fighting 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, called on Parliament to form “international resistance brigades” in a message.

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 after Qasem Soleimani’s death.
[19:26] Hassan Nasrallah: Americans Will Leave the Region in Disgrace

Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, said in a televised message that America 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 forces that previously removed America from the region are still present and have increased in number.
[19:24] Cancellation of Soleimani’s Funeral Ceremony at Tehran’s Prayer Ground

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ public relations office announced the cancellation of Qasem Soleimani’s funeral ceremony at Tehran’s prayer ground that was scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 25.

According to Khabar Online, the ceremony has been postponed due to the “late arrival of Soleimani’s body” to the morning of Monday, December 26, at the University of Tehran.
[19:20] Senate Democrats’ Leader Warns Trump About Entering a “Major War”

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

According to Reuters, Schumer said in an interview with ABC that America does not need this president who, with his “unwise remarks,” is leading Americans into such a war.

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 international anti-ISIS coalition led by the United States must also end. This decision means that the Iraqi government is withdrawing its previous request to the international community for cooperation in fighting ISIS.

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

Although the resolution was passed in 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 U.S. Secretary of State says that any potential U.S. military action against Iran will be in accordance with international law.

According to the French news agency, Mike Pompeo said in an interview with ABC News: “We will act lawfully. We will act in accordance with regulations.”

 

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

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

According to Mehr news agency, Hojjatollah Ayoubi considered America’s withdrawal from UNESCO to be evidence that “Americans have no regard for human heritage.” He even called the expression of this sentence a “crime.”

Donald Trump threatened on Saturday evening in a tweet 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 seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran.

 

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

The U.S.-led coalition forces announced that they are suspending their mission against the “Islamic State” (ISIS) group in the country due to recent missile attacks.

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

 

[17:20] Iraqi Parliament Session Began to Decide on Expulsion of American Forces

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

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

 

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

The U.S. Secretary of State said it is “absolutely clear” that with the death of Qasem Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the world has become safer.

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

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

 

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

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

According to Reuters, Dominic Raab, emphasizing the importance of keeping the region and the world away from the dangers of war and its consequences, emphasized to the Iraqi Prime Minister the importance of moving toward reducing tensions to achieve a shift toward dialogue and exit from this “dangerous crisis.”

 

[16:50] Iraq Summoned U.S. Ambassador in Baghdad

In response to Qasem Soleimani’s killing in a U.S. drone attack, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad.

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry announced that in the summons meeting, the U.S. ambassador was told that this country’s soil should not be used for attacks on neighboring countries.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi Parliament began its emergency session with the presence of Adel Abdul Mahdi, Prime Minister of the resigning government who is temporarily leading the position. In this session, the plan for American forces’ withdrawal from Iraq is to be discussed.

 

[16:40] General Dehgan: Iran’s Response to America’s Action Will Certainly Be Military

Iran’s military advisor to the commander-in-chief announced that the country’s response to the U.S. government’s action in assassinating Qasem Soleimani will certainly be military.
General Hossein Dehgan, in an interview with CNN, said that Iran is not seeking war and “it was America that started the war, so it should accept appropriate responses to the actions it has taken.”

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

 

[16:20] Owji in Response to Trump’s Threat: We Will Strike American Targets the Number of Quranic Verses

The head 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 areas the number of Quranic verses.”

Majlis Owji added: “We have grievances against them the number of Quranic verses, and we will strike and target them the number of 124 thousand prophets, 124 thousand people. Today, most of their forces in the region are under our weapons and fire.”

Donald Trump, President of the United States, threatened the Islamic Republic on Sunday morning in a series of tweets that if it attacks American citizens or interests, 52 points in Iran will be targeted “very hard and very quickly.”

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

Following the escalation of tensions between Iran and the United States after Qasem Soleimani’s death, Pope Francis, the leader of the world’s Catholics, called on the parties involved to exercise restraint.

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

 

[16:10] Israeli Security Cabinet Meeting Postponed to Monday

According to reports, Israel’s security cabinet meeting, which was scheduled to examine the possible consequences of Qasem Soleimani’s death, was postponed to Monday.

The meeting, which was scheduled for Sunday, was to discuss and consult on the possibility of Iranian missile attacks on Israeli targets and preparedness for them.

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

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

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

Dominic Raab, British Foreign Secretary, announced that the U.S. action of attacking Qasem Soleimani’s convoy, commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was 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 a “lawful” killing, emphasized: “There is a right of self-defense.”

The British Foreign Secretary added that given General Soleimani’s role, he was engaged in work with proxy groups and militias that attack Western countries. The right in this case and under these circumstances clearly means the right of self-defense.

[15:30] European Union Invited Zarif to Brussels

According to the European Union, Josep Borrell, responsible for the union’s foreign policy, 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 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 EU’s foreign policy chief also expressed concern about escalating tensions in Iraq and called on Iran to exercise restraint and caution regarding any reaction to prevent escalation.

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

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

Abbas Mousavi, about the message that was transmitted to Iranian officials through the Swiss embassy, said: “This message was a letter from the U.S. Secretary of Foreign Affairs that was outside diplomatic protocol, diplomatic procedures, and rude. We also reviewed this letter and responded with a reply that was appropriate to U.S. officials at a level lower than their expectations.”

Mousavi also, while denying any Omani delegation’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 time.”

According to ISNA, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson also announced that “an important meeting regarding the reduction of JCPOA commitments and the implementation of the fifth step will be held tonight, and final decisions will be made on this matter.”

[14:20] Iran Summoned U.S. Interests’ Custodian for the Third Time

Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran as custodian of U.S. interests in Iran in protest of Trump’s recent remarks. This is the third time in recent days that the Islamic Republic has summoned the custodian of U.S. interests in Iran.

According to Iranian media reports, during this summons, a “strong protest” from the Islamic Republic regarding “threatening, law-violating, and contrary to fundamental international norms remarks” was conveyed to the Swiss ambassador in Tehran.

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

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

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Political Deputy, 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 undisputed right to respond to the assassination of the martyr commander Qasem Soleimani at a time and place it deems appropriate.”

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

[14:00] Iranian Cabinet: Monday Is a Holiday in Tehran

Iran’s Cabinet announced Monday as a holiday in Tehran to prepare for public participation in the funeral ceremony of Qasem Soleimani.

Ali Rabiei, Spokesperson of the Iranian Government, announced this news and also announced the Cabinet’s decision to make Kerman Province a holiday on Tuesday (December 27).

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

 

[13:50] Strong Attack by Azari Jahromi on Instagram’s Deletion of Posts About Qasem Soleimani

Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Iran’s Communications Minister, strongly attacked Instagram for deleting posts about Qasem Soleimani and said: “We will certainly stand against this action.”

While Iran’s Communications Minister described Instagram’s action in deleting posts about Qasem Soleimani as “censoring the voice of the Iranian and world people” by America, Facebook officials, as Instagram’s parent company, said this action was taken in line with complying with American sanctions laws against the Islamic Republic. America has listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its commanders on its terrorist list.

The Instagram social network, after the former Quds Force commander’s death in a U.S. drone attack, deleted posts by some Iranian users about Qasem Soleimani’s death and blocked the pages of some Iranian government officials and media.

Besides deleting some posts related to Qasem Soleimani, Instagram, including the account of Ahmad Alamolhoda, Imam of Friday Prayer in Mashhad, and the pages of Tasnim news agency attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the Journalists Club page affiliated with government radio and television, has been blocked.

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

IRNA published a photo on Twitter showing the transfer of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s bodies to Mashhad on a passenger aircraft. Subsequently, the bodies of the deceased were 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 death, pointed the finger of accusation at Israel and claimed that the country “had people on its assassination list” and Qasem Soleimani was on that list.

Mr. Vahidi, speaking on Iranian state television on Saturday evening, December 14, accused Israel of being “at the center of the conspiracy” to kill Qasem Soleimani and said, according to him, “perhaps the Americans were deceived by the Israelis.”

According to Tasnim news agency, this former Quds Force commander, referring to Iran’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 and this takes place over time. Iran will act carefully, complexly, and painfully in its design.”

Ahmad Vahidi, continuing his remarks, threatening the U.S. for “crossing lines that they must receive a response for,” also threatened Israel and said: “Israelis must also expect a response. Anyone else who supports this assassination must expect our response. Hard revenge may be a series of events that take their breath away and bring them to Iran’s feet so they implore us to stop.”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday, December 13, with the presence of Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, regarding the killing of Qasem Soleimani 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 Claims of “Imminent Operations” by Qasem Soleimani

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

Mr. Larijani, in his opening remarks on Sunday in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, called the killing of the former Quds Force commander in a U.S. drone attack a “major crime” and told Donald Trump, President of the United States: “Your name will be recorded in world history alongside the crimes of the August 19 coup and America’s crimes in the downing of Iran’s civilian airliner.”

The Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly also rejected Washington’s claim regarding Qasem Soleimani’s intention for “imminent operations” against American forces and said: “American officials said that Commander Soleimani wanted to conduct operations in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq against American forces. This claim is nothing but a lie. Let the American people and Congress know that the U.S. President’s claim is a lie to cover up a war crime and terrorism, and they intend to deceive. If they have evidence, let them make it public.”

Ali Larijani also, stating that the recent U.S. action in Iraq “is not compatible with any of the international rules,” added: “The American President’s brutal action is a wartime terrorist operation that is rooted in the ultimate disrespect for the Iraqi people, who carried out this action secretly and sneakily without any permission.”

The U.S. President and other American officials have called Qasem Soleimani’s killing a “defensive action” and said that the former Quds Force commander traveled to Iraq to plan an “imminent attack” on U.S. targets. Trump said the purpose of his elimination was to prevent this attack. Trump said this action was not to initiate but to “prevent war.”

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

The Taliban of Afghanistan issued 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 was called “a major adventure,” and concerns about its consequences were raised.

This extremist Islamist group, while offering condolences to Qasem Soleimani’s family and calling American forces “brutal,” emphasized in its statement that “jihad against American brutality and occupation in Afghanistan continues.”

The Taliban also announced: “America’s behavior after General Soleimani’s assassination and Trump’s fear of taking responsibility for this assassination shows that America is more helpless than ever.”

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

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

 

[11:45] Response of Iran’s Armed Forces Commander to Trump’s Remarks About 52 Targets

General Abdolrahim Mousavi said on Sunday in response to a question about recent remarks by the U.S. President: “In a possible future confrontation, which I think is unlikely they have the courage to undertake, it will become clear where these numbers 5 and 2 belong.”

Donald Trump had threatened on Saturday evening in a tweet 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 seizure of the U.S. 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 resolve tensions.

This was while the Al Mayadeen news network reported on Sunday morning, citing “informed sources,” that an Omani delegation that traveled to Tehran for mediation has returned without any success.

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 the report, members of the Omani delegation left Iran 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 night.

[11:00] Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s 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 will be returned to Iraq for burial in Wadi al-Salam cemetery in Najaf after testing.
Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Deputy of Hashd al-Shaabi, was killed in the early hours of Friday, December 13, in a U.S. drone attack along with Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, near Baghdad airport. Several other Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps 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 Quds Force commander, Deputy of Hashd al-Shaabi and their companions began on Sunday, December 25, starting at 7 a.m. in Ahvaz. Agencies, 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 for the two was held in Iraq yesterday.

 

Source: DW