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

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

[۰۰:۱۳] Pompeo: U.S. May Target More Iranian Leaders

The U.S. Secretary of State warned that if Iran seeks to retaliate for Qassem Soleimani’s death by attacking Americans or their interests, the U.S. military may target more leaders of the country.

According to Associated Press, Mike Pompeo, in his television interviews, sought to clarify the American strategy behind targeting Soleimani in Baghdad.

Iran and Iranian-backed Shiite groups have threatened retaliation. In the latest developments, Iraqi police reported the firing of three missiles near the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

[۰۰:۰۶] Leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq: If American Forces Don’t Leave Iraq, They Will Be Considered Occupiers

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

He stated 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 American units, from Iraq.

[۲۳:۴۹] NATO to Hold Emergency Meeting to Review Regional Developments

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

Reuters reports that Jens Stoltenberg stated this meeting will be held on Monday, December 26 (January 6).

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

 

[۲۳:۴۲] Merkel, Macron, and Johnson Call on Iran to Exercise Restraint

Germany, France, and Britain, in light of escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S., “particularly” called on Iran to exercise restraint. A spokesman for the German government said on Sunday evening that Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of Britain, discussed this matter by phone and agreed on the issue.

All three politicians believe efforts should be made to reduce tensions between Iran and the U.S. Furthermore, they believe Iraq’s national sovereignty and security should be preserved. They “will work with all their strength to reduce tensions in the region.”

[۲۳:۳۲] Pompeo’s Response to Iraq Parliament’s Vote on American Withdrawal

Following the Iraqi Parliament’s vote on the withdrawal of foreign forces, the U.S. Secretary of State alluded to America’s willingness to maintain a military presence in Iraq, noting that this presence is “in Iraq’s interest.”

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

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

[۲۳:۳۰] “Multiple Rockets Hit Near U.S. Embassy in Baghdad”

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

According to these reports, citing Iraqi police, alarm sirens at the U.S. embassy sounded.

[۲۳:۱۵] Johnson: Soleimani Played a Role in Acts Leading to Deaths of Thousands of Innocents

Britain’s Prime Minister described Qassem 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 role in leading actions resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and Western personnel.”

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

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

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

[۲۲:۳۰] Erdoğan’s Warning: Do Not Turn Iraq into a Conflict Zone Between Iran and U.S.

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

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that turning Iraq into a battlefield between Iran and the U.S. would escalate tensions in the region and destabilize it.

[۲۱:۵۷] Pompeo: I Discussed Iran’s Continuous Threats with Qatar’s Foreign Minister

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

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

[۲۱:۵۴] Islamic Republic of Iran Lifted All JCPOA Restrictions

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

According to the government media outlet: “In its fifth step of reducing its commitments, the Islamic Republic of Iran removes the last key operational limitation of its commitments in the JCPOA, namely the ‘limitation on the number of centrifuges.’ As a result, Iran’s nuclear program no longer faces 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 is assured of benefiting from the JCPOA, the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to return to its JCPOA commitments.”

[۲۱:۳۵] German Government Makes Military Presence in Iraq Conditional on Iraqi Approval

The German government announced it would be willing to continue the mission of German military personnel in Iraq subject to approval by the Iraqi government.

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

The Iraqi Parliament voted on Sunday to withdraw 5,000 American military personnel from the country.

[۲۱:۰۰] Mohsen Rezaei’s Warning to U.S.: We Will Level Tel Aviv and Haifa to the Ground

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

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

[۲۰:۴۲] Iran Summoned German Embassy Chargé d’affaires

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

According to Mehr news agency, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that this summons was “in response to unrealistic, thoughtless, and destructive statements by some German officials in support of” the U.S. attack on the vehicle carrying Qassem Soleimani.

Mehr reports that the German embassy’s chargé d’affaires said he would immediately convey the matter to his country.

Reuters reported in this regard that a spokesman for the German government on Friday called the attack that led to Soleimani’s death “a response to military provocations by Iran.”

[۲۰:۴۰] Arab League Secretary General Expressed Concern Over Iraq Developments

The Arab League Secretary General issued a statement expressing his growing concern over Iraq’s continuous developments.

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

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

 

[۲۰:۰۰]

Pompeo: Trump Did Not Say He Would Attack Iranian 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 Trump did not say he would attack “Iranian cultural sites.”

In an interview with ABC network, he alluded to Iran by saying that in response to proxy groups in Iraq, America’s strategy is to target “actual decision-makers.”

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

[۱۹:۵۲] Ayatollah Sistani Offered Condolences on Soleimani’s Death

Ayatollah Ali Sistani, a source of emulation for Shiites, offered condolences to Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, on Qassem Soleimani’s death.

According to Fars news agency, Sistani described this news as “deeply regrettable and sorrowful” in his message and considered Soleimani’s “role” in “fighting ISIS elements in Iraq” as “unforgettable.”

[۱۹:۴۸] Muqtada al-Sadr Called for Formation of “International Resistance Brigades”

Muqtada al-Sadr, an influential Shiite cleric in Iraq, called on the Iraqi 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 voting on the withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, which took place following Qassem Soleimani’s death.

[۱۹:۲۶] Hassan Nasrallah: Americans Will Leave the Region in Disgrace

Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah Lebanon, said in a television message that America will pay the price of attacking Qassem Soleimani’s vehicle with “just retaliation” through attacks on “every soldier, base, and ship” of theirs.

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

[۱۹:۲۴] Cancellation of Soleimani’s Funeral Ceremony at Tehran Prayer Ground

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Public Relations Office announced the cancellation of Qassem Soleimani’s funeral ceremony at Tehran’s prayer ground, which was scheduled to take place at 7 PM on Sunday, December 15.

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

[۱۹:۲۰] Senate Democratic Leader Warns Trump About Leading Country into “Major War”

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

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

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

 

[۱۸:۲۰] 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 has withdrawn its previous request from the international community for cooperation in fighting ISIS.

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

Although this resolution has been approved by the Iraqi Parliament, implementing it is not mandatory for the Iraqi government. However, Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraq’s Prime Minister, had previously stated that he intends to end the military presence of foreign forces in the country.

 

[۱۷:۵۰]

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

The U.S. Secretary of State says that possible U.S. military action against Iran will be in accordance with international law.

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

 

[۱۷:۴۰] Iran to Send Protest Letter to UNESCO Regarding Trump’s Threat

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

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

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

 

[۱۷:۳۰] Coalition Forces Announced Halt in War Against ISIS in Iraq

Forces of the U.S.-led coalition announced that due to recent rocket attacks, they are suspending their mission of fighting the “Islamic State” (ISIS) group in the country.

Given that American forces, who are tasked with training local forces in Iraq, have recently faced rocket attacks, the coalition announced that these attacks have limited their training missions’ capabilities, and therefore they will review this mission.

 

[۱۷:۲۰] Special Session of Iraqi Parliament Began to Decide on Expelling American Forces

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

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

 

[۱۷:۱۰] Pompeo: I Have No Doubt Iran Received Trump’s Message

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

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

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

 

[۱۷:۰۰] British Foreign Secretary Emphasizes 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 Qassem Soleimani’s death, referring to the dangerous consequences of war.

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

 

[۱۶:۵۰] Iraq Summoned U.S. Ambassador in Baghdad

In continuing reactions to Qassem Soleimani’s death in a U.S. drone attack, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry announced that in the summons meeting, the U.S. ambassador was told that Iraqi territory should not be used for attacks on neighboring countries.

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

 

[۱۶:۴۰] General Dehqan: Iran’s Response to U.S. Action Will Certainly Be Military

Iran’s Supreme Commander’s Adviser for Defense Affairs announced that this country’s reaction to the U.S. government’s action in assassinating Qassem Soleimani will certainly be military.

General Hossein Dehqan told CNN network: “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 inflicted. After that, they should not pursue another round.”

 

[۱۶:۲۰] Zolghadr in Response to Trump’s Threat: We Will Strike American Targets as Many Times as Quranic Verses

The Chairman of the National Security Committee 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 territories as many times as the verses of the Quran.”

Majid Zarif added: “We have missiles aimed at them equal to the verses of the Quran, and we will strike and target 124,000 of them equal to 124,000 prophets. Today, most of their forces in the region are under the scope and fire of our weapons.”

Donald Trump, the U.S. President, threatened the Islamic Republic early Sunday morning in a series of tweets, saying that if attacked on citizens or American interests, 52 Iranian sites would be “very harshly and very quickly” targeted.

[۱۶:۲۰] Pope Francis Called on Iran and U.S. to Exercise Restraint

Following escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S. after Qassem Soleimani’s death, Pope Francis, leader of the world’s Catholics, called on the warring parties to exercise restraint.

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

 

[۱۶:۱۰] Israel’s Security Cabinet Meeting Postponed to Monday

According to reports, Israel’s security cabinet meeting, which was to be held to review the potential consequences of Qassem Soleimani’s death, has been postponed to Monday.

The topic of this meeting, which was scheduled for today Sunday, was stated to be discussion and consultation about the possibility of an Iranian missile attack on Israeli targets and readiness for it.

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

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

[۱۵:۵۰] British Foreign Secretary: U.S. Recent Action Means Self-Defense Under Current Circumstances

Dominic Raab, British Foreign Secretary, announced that the U.S. action to attack Qassem Soleimani’s convoy, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was within the framework of self-defense.

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

The British Foreign Secretary added that based on the position that General Soleimani held, he was engaged in work with proxy and militia groups that attack Western countries. The right here and under these circumstances clearly means the right to self-defense.

[۱۵:۳۰] European Union Invited Zarif to Brussels

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

The European Union’s foreign policy chief also expressed concern over escalating tensions in Iraq and called for Iran’s restraint and caution regarding any response to prevent the spread of tensions.

[۱۵:۲۰] Mousavi: U.S. Message Was a Rude Letter from Pompeo

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman said about the U.S. message to the Islamic Republic following Qassem Soleimani’s death that this message was a “rude” and “undiplomatic” letter from Mike Pompeo.

Abbas Mousavi said about this message, which was transmitted through the Swiss embassy to Iranian officials: “This message was a letter from the U.S. Foreign Minister that was outside diplomatic protocol, diplomatic procedures, and rude. We also reviewed this letter and responded at a lower level than they expected with a response befitting American officials.”

Mousavi also, while denying the travel of a delegation from Oman 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 spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry also announced that “an important meeting will be held tonight regarding reducing JCPOA commitments and taking the fifth step, and final decisions will be made on this matter.”

[۱۴:۲۰] Iran Summoned U.S. Interests Protector for Third Time

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

According to Iranian media, during this summons, “strong protest” from the Islamic Republic regarding “threatening, law-violating, and fundamental international norm-violating statements” 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 statements by 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 war crime.”

Iran’s Political Deputy Foreign Minister, referring to the killing of the former Quds Force commander by U.S. forces, stressed: “The Islamic Republic, in addition to all political and legal measures, preserves its undeniable right to respond to the assassination of martyr commander Qassem Soleimani at a time and place it deems appropriate.”

Donald Trump, the U.S. President, threatened the Islamic Republic early Sunday morning in a series of tweets, saying that if attacked on citizens or American interests, 52 Iranian sites would be “very harshly and very quickly” targeted. Trump had said some of the intended targets are at a high level and are “very important for Iran and Iranian culture.”

[۱۴:۰۰] Iran’s Cabinet of Ministers: Tehran Will Be Closed on Monday

Iran’s Cabinet of Ministers, to pave the way for people’s participation in Qassem Soleimani’s funeral ceremony, declared tomorrow Monday as a holiday in Tehran.

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

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

 

[۱۳:۵۰] Harsh Criticism by Azari-Jahromi Regarding Instagram’s Deletion of Soleimani-Related Posts

Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi, Iran’s Minister of Communications, severely criticized Instagram for deleting posts related to Qassem Soleimani and said: “We will certainly stand against this action.”

While Iran’s Minister of Communications called Instagram’s action of deleting Soleimani-related posts “censoring the voice of Iranian and world people” by America, Facebook officials, as Instagram’s parent company, said this action was taken to comply with U.S. 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, following the death of the former Quds Force commander in a U.S. drone attack, deleted posts by some Iranian users regarding Qassem Soleimani’s death and blocked pages of several government officials and media outlets.

In addition to deleting some posts related to Qassem Soleimani, Instagram banned the account of Ahmad Alamalhoda, the Friday prayer imam of Mashhad, and pages of Tasnim news agency affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Young Journalists Club affiliated with Iranian state radio and television.

[۱۳:۴۰] Transfer of Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s Bodies to Mashhad

The state broadcaster IRIB tweeted a photo showing how Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s bodies were transferred to Mashhad on a passenger aircraft. The bodies are then to be transferred to Tehran.

[۱۳:۳۰] Former Quds Force Commander: Israel Was at the Center of the Plot

Ahmad Vahidi, former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and former Iranian Defense Minister, pointed the finger of blame at Israel regarding Qassem Soleimani’s death and claimed the country “had people on its assassination list” and Soleimani was also on that list.

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

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

Ahmad Vahidi, continuing his remarks and stating that Americans “crossed lines that they must face the consequences of,” also threatened Israel and said: “The Israelis must also wait for our response. Anyone else who supports this assassination must wait for our response. Harsh retaliation may be a series of events that will suffocate their breath and bring them to their knees before Iran to beg us to stop.”

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

[۱۲:۳۰] Ali Larijani Dismissed U.S. Claims About Soleimani’s “Imminent Operations”

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

Mr. Larijani, in his speech before the order of the day on Sunday in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, called Qassem Soleimani’s killing in a U.S. drone attack a “great crime” and addressed Donald Trump, the U.S. President, saying: “Your name will be recorded in world history alongside the crimes of the August 19 coup and America’s crime of shooting down Iran’s civilian airliner.”

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

Ali Larijani also stated that the recent U.S. action in Iraq “is not compatible with any international rules,” and added: “The brutal action of the U.S. President is a military terrorist operation that contains the ultimate disrespect to the Iraqi people, which they carried out secretly and without any permission.”

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

[۱۲:۰۰] Taliban Statement Regarding Qassem Soleimani’s Death

The Taliban of Afghanistan, by releasing a statement, reacted to the death of Qassem Soleimani, the former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

In this statement dated Saturday, December 14 (January 4), Soleimani’s killing by American forces was called “a major adventure,” and warnings were issued about its consequences.

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

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

This comes as Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan, on Friday, December 13, in a statement in response to Qassem Soleimani’s death, expressed concern about the “possibility of increased violence in the region.”

Afghanistan’s President referred to Iran as a “great neighbor” and the United States as a “strategic and fundamental partner” of his country in his statement and asked both warring parties 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.

 

[۱۱:۴۵] Iran’s Army Commander’s Response to Trump’s Remarks About Striking 52 Targets

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

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

 

[۱۱:۳۰] Oman Called for Dialogue Between Iran and U.S.

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

This 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 achieving any results.

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

At the same time, Mohammad Javad Zarif and Yusuf bin Alawi, Foreign Ministers of Iran and Oman, discussed regional developments in a phone call last night.

[۱۱:۰۰] Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s Body Transferred to Iran for DNA Testing

The Popular Mobilization Forces announced in a statement that Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis’s body has been transferred to Iran for DNA testing and will be returned to Iraq after testing for burial in Wadi al-Salam cemetery in Najaf.

Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Deputy Commander of the Popular Mobilization Forces, was killed early Friday morning, December 13, in a U.S. drone attack along with Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, near Baghdad airport. Several other Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials and Popular Mobilization Forces members were also killed in this attack.

[۱۱:۰۰] Funeral Ceremony for Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis Began in Ahvaz

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

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

 

Source: DW