Pompeo: If Iran Retaliates, US May Strike More Iranian Leaders

Continuing reactions to Qasem Soleimani’s killing in a US attack 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 attempts to retaliate for the death of Qasem Soleimani by attacking Americans or American interests, the US military may target more leaders of the country.

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

Iran and Shia groups supported by the country have threatened retaliation. In the latest developments, Iraqi police reported three missiles were fired near the US Embassy in Baghdad.

[00:06] Leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq: If US Forces Don’t Leave Iraq, They Are Occupiers

Qais Khazali, leader of the Iran-backed Shia group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, warned about the presence of US forces 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 Emergency Meeting to Review Regional Developments

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

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

The meeting will review developments in the region following Qasem Soleimani’s death 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 US, called “particularly” on Iran to exercise restraint. A German government spokesman said on Sunday evening that Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, Emmanuel Macron, French President, and Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister, discussed the matter by phone and are in agreement.

All three leaders believe in efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the US. Additionally, they believe 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 Resolution on US Withdrawal

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

Mike Pompeo said in an interview with CBS that Washington is committed to continuing its presence in Iraq and fighting terrorism, which it considers beneficial to both countries.

He also noted that Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraqi 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 US Embassy in Baghdad”

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

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

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

The British Prime Minister described Qasem Soleimani’s actions as a cause 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 actions that led to the death of thousands of innocent civilians and Western personnel.”

Boris Johnson, stating he is not sorry about Soleimani’s death, noted that in light of Iran’s threats of retaliation, calls for revenge and retaliation “merely lead to more violence in the region.”

He said he has discussed the increasing 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 Conflict Zone Between Iran and US

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

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said 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 Ongoing Threatening Behavior 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 acts and measures.”

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

[21:54] Iran Abolishes All JCPOA Restrictions

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

According to the government information portal: “The Islamic Republic of Iran, in the fifth step of reducing its commitments, removes the last key component of its operational limitations in the JCPOA, namely ‘limitations on the number of centrifuges.’ As a result, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear program no longer faces any limitations in the operational field (including enrichment capacity, enrichment percentage, amount of enriched material, and research and development) and henceforth Iran’s nuclear program will proceed based solely 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 benefit from JCPOA provisions, the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to return to its JCPOA commitments.”

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

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

A German Defense Ministry spokesman told RND, noting that Germany is closely monitoring the situation in Iraq, that it is clear 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 remove five thousand American soldiers from the country.

[21:00] Mohsen Rezaei’s Warning to America: We Will Raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the Ground

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

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

[20:42] Iran Summoned German Embassy Chargé d’Affaires

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

According to Mehr news agency, Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the summons was “in response to unrealistic, reckless, and destructive statements by some German officials in support” of the US attack on Soleimani’s vehicle.

Mehr reports that the German Embassy’s chargé d’affaires stated he would immediately relay the matter to his country.

Reuters reported in this regard that a German government spokesman on Friday described the attack resulting in Soleimani’s death as 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 growing concerns over Iraq’s continuous developments.

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

Aboul Gheit’s message comes after escalating tensions 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, responding 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 said in an interview with ABC, with 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 Death in a Message

Ayatollah Ali Sistani, a source of emulation for Shias, in a message to Ayatollah Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, condoled the death of Qasem Soleimani.

According to Farsnews, Sistani in the message called the news “a cause of deep regret and sorrow” 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, influential Shia cleric in Iraq, in a message to the Iraqi Parliament called for the formation of “International Resistance Brigades.”

In the 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 death.

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

Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon, in a televised message said the US would pay the price for the attack on Soleimani’s vehicle through “just retribution” in strikes against “every soldier, base, and ship” of theirs.

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

[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 scheduled for 7 PM on Sunday, December 15.

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

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

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

According to Reuters, Schumer said in an interview with ABC that America does not need a president who, with “reckless words,” 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 US-led international anti-ISIS coalition must also end. This decision means the Iraqi government has withdrawn its previous request from the international community for cooperation in fighting ISIS.

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

Although the resolution has been approved in the Iraqi Parliament, its implementation is not mandatory for the Iraqi government. However, Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraqi Prime Minister, 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 a potential US military operation against Iran will be in line 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 within the framework of regulations.”

 

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

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

According to Mehr, Hojjat Al-Islam Eyoubi considered America’s withdrawal from UNESCO as evidence that “Americans do not care about human heritage.” He even called the mere utterance of this sentence a “crime.”

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

 

[17:30] Coalition Forces Announced Halt to War Against ISIS in Iraq

US-led coalition forces announced that due to recent missile attacks, they are suspending the war mission against ISIS in the country.

Given that American forces responsible for training local forces in Iraq have recently been subjected to missile attacks, the coalition announced these attacks have limited their training missions’ capabilities and will therefore review these missions.

 

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

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

According to Reuters, Iraqi lawmakers said they convened the session to approve 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 US Secretary of State said it is “completely clear” that with the death of Qasem Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force, the world has become safer.

Mike Pompeo also warned in an interview with ABC that if the Islamic Republic plans to attack American targets or interests, it will face this country’s response.

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

 

[17:00] British Foreign Secretary’s Emphasis on the Need to Exit “a Dangerous Crisis”

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

According to Reuters, Dominic Raab, in the conversation, emphasized the importance of keeping the region and world away from the dangers of war and its consequences and urged the Iraqi Prime Minister to move toward reducing tensions to turn toward dialogue and exit this “dangerous crisis.”

 

[16:50] Iraq Summoned US Ambassador in Baghdad

Following reactions to Qasem Soleimani’s death in a US drone attack, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry summoned the US Ambassador in Baghdad.

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry announced that in the summons session, the US Ambassador was told that Iraqi 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, the country’s resigned Prime Minister who temporarily holds the position. In this session, the plan for the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq is to be presented.

 

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

Iran’s Defense Advisor announced that the country’s response to the US government’s action in assassinating Qasem Soleimani will definitely be military.

Sardar Hossein Dehqan said in an interview with CNN that Iran is not seeking war and “it was America that started the war, so it must accept appropriate responses to its actions.”

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

 

[16:20] Dawnour in Response to Trump’s Threat: We Will Strike American Targets by 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 Iranian sites, we will strike their areas by the number of Quranic verses.”

Mojtaba Zonnour added: “We have weapons equivalent to the number of Quranic verses against them, and by the number of 124,000 prophets, we will strike and target 124,000 of them. Today, the bulk of their forces in the region are under our fire and attacks.”

Donald Trump, US President, threatened the Islamic Republic in a series of tweets this Sunday morning, saying that if 52 Iranian sites would be “very hard and very quickly” targeted if they attack American citizens or interests.

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

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

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

 

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

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

The topic of the meeting, originally scheduled for today, was to discuss and consult on the possibility of an Iranian missile attack on Israeli targets and preparedness for it.

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

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 Constitutes Self-Defense Under Current Circumstances

Dominic Raab, British Foreign Secretary, announced that the US action of striking Qasem Soleimani’s convoy, former commander of the Quds Force, falls within the framework of self-defense.

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

The British Foreign Secretary added that based on the role General Soleimani had, he was involved in working with proxy groups and militias that attack Western countries. The right in this case 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, Joseph Borrell, the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, in a telephone contact with Iran’s Foreign Minister, while emphasizing the necessity of de-escalation, invited Mohammad Javad Zarif to Brussels.

The statement said Borrell, in conversation with Zarif, described “the only way to move forward” as “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 for Iran’s restraint and caution regarding any reaction to prevent escalation of tensions.

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

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, regarding America’s message to the Islamic Republic following Qasem Soleimani’s death, said 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 State that was outside diplomatic channels, diplomatic protocols, and rude. We also reviewed this letter and responded with a response befitting US officials at a lower level than they expected.”

Mousavi also, while denying the travel of an Omani delegation to Iran for mediation, said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Foreign Ministry do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, just as we have proceeded with this policy and strategy during this time.”

According to ISNA, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman also announced: “Tonight an important meeting will be held regarding reducing JCPOA commitments and implementing the fifth step, and final decisions will be made on this issue.”

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

Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Swiss Ambassador to Tehran as the Custodian of American Interests in protest of Trump’s recent statements. This is the third time in recent days that the Islamic Republic has summoned the Custodian of American Interests in Iran.

According to Iranian media, during the summons, a “strong protest” by the Islamic Republic regarding “threatening, law-breaking, and fundamentally violating international norms and standards” was communicated to the Swiss Ambassador.

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

Araghchi also, referring to “the US President’s threat to attack cultural centers,” described such threats as “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 undisputed right to respond to the assassination of Martyr Commander Qasem Soleimani at a time and place of its choosing.”

Donald Trump, US President, threatened the Islamic Republic in a series of tweets this Sunday morning, saying that if it attacks American citizens or interests, 52 Iranian sites would be “very hard and very quickly” targeted. Trump said some of the intended targets are at high levels and are “very important” to “Iran and Iranian culture.”

[14:00] Iran’s Cabinet: Monday is a Holiday in Tehran

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

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

Today, due to the funeral ceremony of the former Quds Force commander, the authority’s deputy, and their companions in Ahvaz, offices, schools, and universities throughout Khuzestan Province were also closed. A similar ceremony was held today in Mashhad and is scheduled to be held tomorrow in Tehran and Tuesday in Qasem Soleimani’s hometown of Kerman.

 

[13:50] Sharp Attack by Afshar-Jahromi on Instagram’s Deletion of Soleimani Posts

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

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

Instagram, following the death 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 pages of several Iranian government officials and media outlets.

In addition to deleting some posts related to Qasem Soleimani, Instagram blocked the account of Ahmad Alamolhoda, Friday prayer leader of Mashhad, and pages of Tasnim news agency affiliated with the 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’s Bodies to Mashhad

State Broadcasting Organization in a tweet published a photo of the transfer of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s bodies to Mashhad on a commercial aircraft. Later, the bodies are 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 Iran’s Defense Minister, regarding Qasem Soleimani’s death, pointed the finger of blame at Israel and claimed the country “had individuals on its assassination list” and Qasem Soleimani was on that list.

Mr. Vahidi, speaking on Iranian state television Saturday evening on December 14, accused Israel of being “at the center of this plot” to kill Qasem Soleimani and according to him, “it is possible that the Americans were deceived by the Israelis.”

According to Tasnim news agency, the 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 and this occurs over time. Iran will act in its design carefully, complexly, and painfully.”

Ahmad Vahidi, continuing his remarks, by saying Americans “crossed lines they must receive a response for,” also threatened Israel and said: “Israelis must also wait for our response. Anyone else who supports this assassination must wait for our response. Harsh revenge may be a series of events that holds their breath in their chest and brings them to their knees to Iran to implore us to stop.”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Friday, December 13 held an emergency session with the presence of Ayatollah Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, regarding Qasem Soleimani’s death by America and announced it would take revenge for this action “at an 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 “operations in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq against American forces” as a “lie.”

Mr. Larijani, in his remarks before the order on Sunday in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, described the death of the former Quds Force commander in a US drone attack as a “great crime” and, addressing Donald Trump, US President, said: “Your name will be recorded in world history alongside the crimes of the August 28 coup and America’s crimes in downing Iran’s passenger plane.”

The Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly also, while rejecting Washington’s claim about Qasem Soleimani’s intention for “imminent operations” against American forces, said: “American officials said General Soleimani wanted to carry out operations in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq against American forces. This claim is nothing but a lie. Let the American people and Congress of the United States know that the US President’s claim is deception to cover up a war crime and terrorism, and aims to deceive. If they have evidence, let them publish it publicly.”

Ali Larijani also, stating that the recent action of the United States in Iraq “is not compatible with any of the international rules,” added: “The savage action of the US President is a military terrorist operation that at its core contains the ultimate disrespect to the Iraqi people, which they carried out secretly and without any authorization.”

The US President and other American officials described the killing of Qasem Soleimani as a “defensive action” and said the former Quds Force commander traveled to the country for planning “an imminent attack” on American targets in Iraq and that their aim in eliminating him was to prevent this attack. Trump had said this action was not to start but aimed at “preventing war.”

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

The Taliban of Afghanistan released a statement in reaction to the death 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 death by American forces is described as “a great adventure,” and warning is given about its consequences.

The extremist Islamic group, while condoling with Qasem Soleimani’s family and calling American forces “savage,” emphasized in its statement that “jihad against American savagery and occupation in Afghanistan continues.”

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

This comes as Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan, on Friday, December 13 in a statement, in reaction to Qasem Soleimani’s death, expressed concern about “the possibility of increased 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 both warring parties 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 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 possible future confrontation, which I believe is unlikely they would dare to undertake, it will become clear where these numbers 5 and 2 will belong.”

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

 

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

Oman’s state news agency announced that the country had called on the United States and the Islamic Republic to enter into dialogue to resolve tensions.

This comes as Al-Mayadeen news network reported early Sunday that an Omani delegation that traveled to Tehran for mediation returned without results.

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

Meanwhile, Mohammad Javad Zarif and Yousuf bin Alawi, Foreign Ministers of Iran and Oman, discussed regional developments in a telephone contact yesterday evening.

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

Al-Hashd al-Sha’abi 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 at Wadi al-Salam Cemetery in Najaf.

Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Deputy Commander of Al-Hashd al-Sha’abi, was killed in the early hours of Friday, December 13 in a US drone attack along with Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, near Baghdad Airport. In this attack, several other Revolutionary Guard Corps officials and members of Al-Hashd al-Sha’abi were also killed.

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

The funeral ceremony of the former Quds Force commander, the deputy of Al-Hashd al-Sha’abi, 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 the previous day.

 

Source: DW