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

Continuing reactions to Qasem Soleimani’s killing in a U.S. strike in Baghdad: Pompeo threatened that the United States could target more Iranian leaders if Iran retaliates. Germany, France, and Britain 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 seeks to retaliate for Qasem Soleimani’s death by attacking Americans or American interests, the U.S. military may target more leaders of that country.

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

Iran and Shiite groups backed by this country have threatened retaliation. In the latest developments, Iraqi police reported that three missiles were fired near the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
[00:06] Leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq: If U.S. Forces Don’t Leave Iraq, They’re Occupiers

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

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

The Iraqi Parliament voted on Sunday to withdraw foreign forces, including American units, from Iraq.
[23:49] NATO to Hold Extraordinary Meeting to Review Regional Developments

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

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

In this meeting, regional developments following Qasem Soleimani’s death in Baghdad will be reviewed.

 

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

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

All three statesmen believe in efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States. Furthermore, they believe Iraq’s national sovereignty and security should be preserved. They are “working with all efforts to reduce tensions in the region.”

[23:32] Pompeo’s Response to Iraqi Parliament’s Resolution on U.S. Withdrawal

After the Iraqi Parliament voted to withdraw foreign forces, the U.S. Secretary of State alluded to America’s desire for military presence in Iraq, noting that this presence is “beneficial to Iraq.”

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

He also recalled that Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraqi Prime Minister, who called for the immediate withdrawal of American forces in Parliament, “resigned due to Iran’s countless interferences in his government.”
[23:30] “At Least Two to Three Missiles Hit Near U.S. Embassy in Baghdad”

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

According to these reports citing Iraqi police, the U.S. Embassy alarm sirens sounded.
[23:15] Johnson: Soleimani Was Responsible for Actions Leading to Deaths of Thousands of Innocent People

Britain’s Prime Minister described Qasem Soleimani’s actions as causing “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 deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and Western personnel.”

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

He said he has discussed the escalating tensions in the region with Donald Trump, U.S. 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 staff and interests in the region.
[22:30] Erdogan’s Warning: Don’t Turn Iraq Into a Battlefield Between Iran and America

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

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

The U.S. Secretary of State tweeted about a phone conversation with his Qatari counterpart and discussion about “Iran’s continuous threatening 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 Lifts All JCPOA Restrictions

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

According to the government’s news agency: “In its fifth step of reducing commitments, the Islamic Republic of Iran removes the last key operational constraint from the JCPOA, namely ‘the limitation on the number of centrifuges.’ Thus, Iran’s nuclear program is no longer faced with any limitations in the operational sphere (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 “if sanctions are lifted and Iran benefits from the JCPOA, the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to return to its JCPOA commitments.”

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

The German government announced that it will be willing to continue the military mission of German soldiers in Iraq with the approval of Iraq’s government.

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

The Iraqi Parliament voted on Sunday to withdraw five thousand American soldiers from the country.
[21:00] Mohsen Rezaei Warns America: We Will Level Tel Aviv and Haifa to the Ground

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

Speaking at Qasem Soleimani’s funeral ceremony 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 Summons German Embassy Chargé d’affaires

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

According to Mehr News Agency, Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that this summons follows “false, reckless, and destructive statements by some German officials in support” of the U.S. attack on Qasem Soleimani’s vehicle.

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

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

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

According to Reuters, Ahmad Aboul Gheit said in the statement that the region currently needs calm, not worsening and escalating conflicts.

Aboul Gheit’s message comes as tensions escalate between Iran and its backed militias on one side and the United States on the other.

 

[20:00]

Pompeo: Trump Didn’t Say He Would Attack Iran’s Cultural Sites

In response to a question about Donald Trump’s threat to attack 52 centers in Iran, some of which are culturally significant, the U.S. Secretary of State said Trump did not say he would attack “Iran’s cultural sites.”

In an interview with ABC News, he alluded to Iran and said America’s strategy in response to proxy groups in Iraq is to target “real 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, one of Shiite sources of emulation, in a message to Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, expressed condolences for Qasem Soleimani’s death.

According to Farsnews, Sistani called this news “deeply regrettable” and described Soleimani’s “role” in “fighting ISIS elements in Iraq” as “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 Parliament called for forming “International Resistance Brigades.”

In this message, he called resistance groups inside and outside Iraq to an urgent meeting for forming these brigades.

Sadr thanked the Iraqi Parliament for voting on the withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, which occurred after Qasem Soleimani’s death.
[19:26] Hassan Nasrallah: Americans Will Leave the Region Humiliated

Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, in a televised message said America will pay the price for attacking Qasem Soleimani’s vehicle with “just retaliation” through strikes 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 at Tehran’s Prayer Ground

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps public relations announced the cancellation of Qasem Soleimani’s funeral ceremony at Tehran’s prayer ground scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday, December 15.

According to online news, the ceremony has been postponed to Monday, December 16 at the University of Tehran due to “late arrival of the body.”
[19:20] Democratic Senate Leader Warns Trump About Entering “a Major War”

Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader in the U.S. Senate, warned Donald Trump, the U.S. President, about driving the country toward “a major war.”

According to Reuters, Schumer told ABC News that America does not need a president who, with his “unwise words,” is dragging 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 to Withdraw All Foreign Forces

The Iraqi Parliament voted to withdraw 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 has withdrawn its previous request from the international community for cooperation in fighting ISIS.

This resolution prohibits the use of Iraq’s land, air, and sea territory 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, Iraq’s Prime Minister, had previously said he intends to end the military presence of foreign forces in the country.

 

[17:50]

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

The U.S. Secretary of State says any potential American military action against Iran will be in accordance with international law.

According to 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 to Send Protest Letter to UNESCO Regarding Trump’s Threats

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

According to Mehr News Agency, Hojjat al-Islam Ayoubi considered America’s withdrawal from UNESCO as evidence that “Americans place no value on human heritage.” He also called the very statement of this sentence a “crime.”

Donald Trump tweeted Saturday evening that if the Islamic Republic endangers American interests, 52 Iranian sites will be targeted “very hard.” This number symbolizes the 52 Americans held hostage after the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979.

 

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

The U.S.-led coalition forces announced that due to recent missile attacks, they are suspending the mission of fighting the “Islamic State” group (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 missions’ capabilities, and therefore they will review these missions.

 

[17:20] Iraqi Parliament Special Session Began to Decide on U.S. Forces’ Expulsion

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

According to Reuters, Iraqi lawmakers said they convened this session to pass a resolution that calls on the government to withdraw American forces from Iraq.

 

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

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

Mike Pompeo told ABC News that if the Islamic Republic attempts to plan attacks on American targets, 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 Emphasized Need to Exit “Dangerous Crisis”

Britain’s Foreign Secretary, in a phone conversation with Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraq’s Prime Minister, called for reducing tensions following Qasem Soleimani’s death, alluding 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, stressed to Iraq’s Prime Minister the importance of moving toward de-escalation to transition to dialogue and exit this “dangerous crisis.”

 

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

In continuation of reactions to Qasem Soleimani’s death in a U.S. drone strike, 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 the country’s territory should not be used for attacks on neighboring countries.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi Parliament began its emergency session in the presence of Adel Abdul Mahdi, the Prime Minister who has recently resigned but temporarily holds the position. The proposal for American forces’ withdrawal from Iraq is expected to be addressed in this session.

 

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

The Advisor to Iran’s Supreme Military Commander on Defense Matters announced that this country’s response to the U.S. government’s action in assassinating Qasem Soleimani will definitely be military.

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

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

 

[16:20] Dawnoor in Response to Trump’s Threat: We Will Strike American Areas as Many as 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 points, we will strike their areas as many as the verses of the Quran.”

Majid Dawnoor added: “We have weapons as many as the verses of the Quran against them, and we will strike 124,000 prophets’ worth of them and target them. Today, their major forces in the region are under our fire and weapons.”

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

The topic of this meeting, originally scheduled for Sunday, was described as discussion and consultation about the possibility of Iranian missile attacks on Israeli targets and preparedness for them.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu again thanked the United States for 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.”

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 American Action Constitutes Self-Defense Under Current Circumstances

Dominic Raab, Britain’s Foreign Secretary, stated that the American action of striking Qasem Soleimani’s convoy, the former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards 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.”

Britain’s Foreign Secretary added that given the role that General Soleimani had, 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 the right to self-defense.

[15:30] European Union Invited Zarif to Brussels

Based on the European Union’s announcement, Josep Borrell, the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, in a 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 described to Zarif the “only way to move forward” as “a regional political solution” and said the EU is ready to support such a solution.

The EU’s Foreign Policy Chief also, while expressing concern about escalating tensions in Iraq, called on Iran to exercise restraint and be cautious about any reaction to prevent tension escalation.

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

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said regarding 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, regarding this message that was conveyed through Switzerland’s embassy to Iranian officials, said: “This message was a letter from the American Foreign Minister that was outside diplomatic protocol, diplomatic courtesy, and rude. We also reviewed this letter and responded at a lower level than what they imagined with a response befitting American officials.”

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 period.”

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

[14:20] Iran Summoned U.S. Interests Section Chief for the Third Time

Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Swiss Ambassador in Tehran as the Interests Section Chief of the United States in Iran in protest of Trump’s recent statements. This is the third time in recent days that the Islamic Republic has summoned the Chief of the U.S. Interests Section in Iran.

According to Iranian media reports, during this summons, the Islamic Republic’s “strong protest” regarding “threatening statements and violations of fundamental international laws and norms” was conveyed to the Swiss Ambassador in Tehran.

Abbas Araghchi, Political Deputy of Iran’s Foreign Minister, in the summons session said: “The hostile, threatening, and abnormal statements 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,” described such a threat as “a clear example of a war crime.”

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

Donald Trump, U.S. President, threatened the Islamic Republic early Sunday morning in a series of tweets that 52 Iranian “sites will be targeted very hard and very fast” if it attacks American citizens or interests. Trump had said that 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 create conditions for public participation in Qasem Soleimani’s funeral ceremony, announced Monday as a holiday in Tehran.

Ali Rabiei, Iran’s government spokesperson, while announcing this news, also reported the cabinet’s decision to make Kerman province a holiday on Tuesday (December 17).

Today, in connection with the funeral ceremony of the former Quds Force commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, the deputy of PMF and his companions in Ahvaz, offices, schools, and universities throughout Khuzestan Province were closed. Similar ceremonies took place today in Mashhad and are scheduled for tomorrow in Tehran and on Tuesday in Soleimani’s hometown of Kerman.

 

[13:50] Azari Jahromi Strongly Criticized Instagram for Deleting Posts About Qasem Soleimani

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

While Iran’s Communications Minister described Instagram’s deletion of posts about Qasem Soleimani as “censoring the voice of the Iranian and global people” by America, Facebook officials, as the parent company of Instagram, said this action was taken in compliance with U.S. sanctions laws against the Islamic Republic. The United States has listed the Revolutionary Guards and its commanders on its terrorism list.

Instagram, following the death of the former Quds Force commander in a U.S. drone strike, deleted the posts of some Iranian users regarding Qasem Soleimani’s death and blocked the pages of a number of Iranian government figures and media outlets.

In addition to deleting some posts related to Qasem Soleimani, Instagram blocked accounts including Ahmad Alamolhoda, the Friday Prayer Imam of Mashhad, and the pages of Tasnim News Agency affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards and the Young Journalists Club affiliated with Iranian state radio and television.

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

The state broadcaster in a tweet posted a photo of the transfer of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s bodies to Mashhad on a passenger aircraft. Subsequently, the bodies 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 death, pointed the finger of accusation at Israel and claimed this country “had people on its assassination list” and Soleimani was on that list.

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

According to Tasnim News Agency, this former Quds Force commander, referring to the Islamic Republic’s “response” to America, threatened the country and said: “They will have to live in constant nightmares from now on, and this is not something that will end soon. The response may be in the form of a series of events that unfold over time. Iran will act in a calculated, complex, and painful manner in its approach.”

Ahmad Vahidi, continuing his remarks, stating that the Americans “crossed boundaries for which they must face a response,” also threatened Israel and said: “Israelis should also expect a response. Anyone else who supports this assassination should expect our response. Severe retaliation may be a series of events that takes their breath away and brings them to Iran’s doorstep to beg us to spare them.”

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

[12:30] Ali Larijani Rejected U.S. Claims About Soleimani’s “Imminent Operations”

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” as “false.”

Mr. Larijani, in his opening remarks on Sunday in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, called the death of the former Quds Force commander in a U.S. drone strike a “great crime” and addressing Donald Trump, U.S. President, said: “Your name will be recorded in world history alongside the crimes of the August 19 coup and America’s crime of downing Iran’s passenger airliner.”

The Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly also, while rejecting Washington’s claim about Soleimani’s intention to carry out “imminent operations” against American forces, said: “American officials have said that Commander Soleimani wanted to conduct operations in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq against U.S. forces. This claim is nothing but a lie. Let the American people and this country’s representatives know that the claim of the U.S. President is deception to cover up a war crime and terrorism. If they have evidence, make it public.”

Ali Larijani also, stating that the recent action of the United States in Iraq “is not compatible with any international rules,” added: “The brutal action of the U.S. President is a military terrorist operation that lies hidden within the ultimate disrespect for the Iraqi people, carried out secretly and without any authorization.”

The U.S. President and other American officials have described Soleimani’s killing as a “defensive action,” saying the former Quds Force commander 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 this action was not to start but to “prevent war.”

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

The Taliban of Afghanistan issued a statement regarding Qasem Soleimani’s death, the former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

In this statement dated Saturday, December 14 (January 4), Soleimani’s killing by U.S. forces was called “a great adventure” and warning was issued about its consequences.

The extremist Islamic group, while extending condolences to Soleimani’s family and calling U.S. forces “savage,” emphasized in their statement that “the struggle against American brutality and occupation in Afghanistan continues.”

The Taliban also announced: “America’s handling after General Soleimani’s assassination 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, expressed concern on Friday, December 13, in a statement in response to Qasem Soleimani’s death about “the possibility of increased violence in the region.”

Afghanistan’s President in his statement mentioned Iran as a “great neighbor” and the United States 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 territory for regional disputes.

 

[11:45] Iran’s Armed Forces Chief’s Response to Trump’s Statements About Targeting 52 Sites

General Abdolrahim Mousavi today Sunday, in response to a question about the recent statements of the U.S. President, said: “In a possible confrontation in the future that I think they are unlikely to have the courage to do, it will become clear where these numbers 5 and 2 belong.”

Donald Trump threatened Saturday evening on 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 held hostage after the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979.

 

[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 comes as the Al-Mayadeen news network reported early Sunday morning, citing “informed sources,” that an Omani delegation that traveled to Tehran for mediation returned without achievements.

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

Meanwhile, Mohammad Javad Zarif and Yousuf bin Alawi, Foreign Ministers of Iran and Oman, held a phone conversation Saturday evening about regional developments.

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

The Popular Mobilization Forces announced that Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s body has been 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 the Popular Mobilization Forces, was killed early Friday morning, December 13, in a U.S. drone strike along with Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, near Baghdad Airport. Several other Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps officials and Popular Mobilization Forces members were also killed in the strike.

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

The funeral ceremony for the former Quds Force commander, Deputy of the Popular Mobilization Forces, and their companions began today Sunday, December 15, starting at 7 a.m. in Ahvaz. Offices, schools, and universities throughout Khuzestan Province are closed.

Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s bodies were transferred to Ahvaz by air this morning. The funeral ceremonies for these two were held in Iraq the previous day.

 

Source: DW