The biggest worry across the world right now is about West Asia. Will Iran's missile attacks on US military bases in Iraq bring Iran & the U.S. closer to war? Or will both the side claim victory and end this conflict? On WionEdit MollyGambhir explains. #WIONEdit #US #Iran

WION Edit: Will US-Iran tensions escalate further?

The tensions between Iran and the United States reached a tipping point on January 3 when the US missile strike killed the second-most powerful man in Iran - Gen Qassem Soleimani. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops. In an address to the nation from the White House, President Trump said no Americans were killed or wounded when Iranian forces launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against two military bases in Iraq marking the most significant Iranian attack in a growing conflict with the United States. Trump further added that Iran will never be allowed to have nuclear weapons, promising harsher sanctions against Iran "unless it changes its behaviour". #QassemSoleimani #DonaldTrump #US #Iran #SoleimaniKilling

Donald Trump: Iranian strike caused no American deaths

The tensions in West Asia bring bad news for businessmen. Several international airlines have been forced to re-route their flights, prices of oil have skyrocketed and India too is feeling the pinch.

Investors are rattled by the volatility in the stock markets and if the crisis continues, it could trigger more trouble for a slowing global economy.

The escalating tensions are driving fears of a recession, investors are worried about the prospect of a conflict. America's move to kill Iran's most powerful General Qasem Soleimani has shaken up the global economy.

If a war-like situation comes up, airlines will have to spend more on insurance as well. They would need to pay anywhere from $18 thousand to $40 thousand more per aircraft every month.

Assurances from the organisation of petroleum exporting countries or OPEC helped in stabilising the prices. But if the war clouds remain, global oil prices could rise again.

Such a situation would be bad news for India -&nbsp;a country that imports more than 80 per cent of its oil needs.&nbsp;

A $10 dollar increase in crude prices would increase India's monthly import bill by $1.5 billion whereas retail inflation would rise by around 0.4 per cent.

The likelihood of full-blown conflict is a far cry as of today. But, the prevailing tensions are already hurting the bottom line of several global businesses around the world.

The tensions in West Asia bring bad news for businessmen. Several international airlines have been forced to re-route their flights, prices of oil have skyrocketed and India too is feeling the pinch.

The tensions in West Asia bring bad news for businessmen. Several international airlines have been forced to re-route their flights, prices of oil have skyrocketed and India too is feeling the pinch. Investors are rattled by the volatility in the stock markets and if the crisis continues, it could trigger more trouble for a slowing global economy. The escalating tensions are driving fears of a recession, investors are worried about the prospect of a conflict. America's move to kill Iran's most powerful General Qasem Soleimani has shaken up the global economy. If a war-like situation comes up, airlines will have to spend more on insurance as well. They would need to pay anywhere from $18 thousand to $40 thousand more per aircraft every month. Assurances from the organisation of petroleum exporting countries or OPEC helped in stabilising the prices. But if the war clouds remain, global oil prices could rise again. Such a situation would be bad news for India - a country that imports more than 80 per cent of its oil needs. A $10 dollar increase in crude prices would increase India's monthly import bill by $1.5 billion whereas retail inflation would rise by around 0.4 per cent. The likelihood of full-blown conflict is a far cry as of today. But, the prevailing tensions are already hurting the bottom line of several global businesses around the world.

Explained: How US-Iran tensions impact the economy

A senior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/facebook-to-welcome-its-first-ever-facebook-tv-18323">Facebook</a> executive on Tuesday said the world's biggest social network unintentionally helped put <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a> in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/white-house-invokes-executive-privilege-to-stop-release-of-mueller-report-217070">White House</a> but warned against dramatic rule changes.

The Trump campaign did effectively use Facebook to rally support for his presidential run, and the social network should be mindful of that without making moves that stifle free political discourse, Andrew Bosworth said in a lengthy post on his personal Facebook page triggered by The New York Times publishing an internal memo he wrote.

"So was Facebook responsible for Donald Trump getting elected?" Bosworth asked.

"I think the answer is yes, but not for the reasons anyone thinks."

Bosworth contended Trump was not elected because of Russia or misinformation or Cambridge Analytica, but rather because he ran "the single best digital ad campaign I've ever seen from any advertiser."

He went on to say that, since Facebook has the same ad policies in place now, the outcome of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-the-impeachment-inquiry-might-affect-donald-trumps-2020-re-election-chances-253716">2020 election</a> could be the same as it was four years ago.

"As tempting as it is to use the tools available to us to change the outcome, I am confident we must never do that or we will become that which we fear," Bosworth wrote.

That doesn't mean Facebook should not draw a line when it comes to how it is used, he reasoned. Clearly inciting violence, thwarting voting, and other blatant transgressions should be banned, but voters should be trusted to decide what kind of leaders they want to elect, according to Bosworth.

"If we don’t want hate-mongering politicians then we must not elect them," Bosworth wrote.

"If we change the outcomes without winning the minds of the people who will be ruled then we have a democracy in name only. If we limit what information people have access to and what they can say then we have no democracy at all."

A senior Facebook executive on Tuesday said the world's biggest social network unintentionally helped put Donald Trump in the White House but warned against dramatic rule changes.

A senior Facebook executive on Tuesday said the world's biggest social network unintentionally helped put Donald Trump in the White House but warned against dramatic rule changes. The Trump campaign did effectively use Facebook to rally support for his presidential run, and the social network should be mindful of that without making moves that stifle free political discourse, Andrew Bosworth said in a lengthy post on his personal Facebook page triggered by The New York Times publishing an internal memo he wrote. "So was Facebook responsible for Donald Trump getting elected?" Bosworth asked. "I think the answer is yes, but not for the reasons anyone thinks." Bosworth contended Trump was not elected because of Russia or misinformation or Cambridge Analytica, but rather because he ran "the single best digital ad campaign I've ever seen from any advertiser." He went on to say that, since Facebook has the same ad policies in place now, the outcome of the 2020 election could be the same as it was four years ago. "As tempting as it is to use the tools available to us to change the outcome, I am confident we must never do that or we will become that which we fear," Bosworth wrote. That doesn't mean Facebook should not draw a line when it comes to how it is used, he reasoned. Clearly inciting violence, thwarting voting, and other blatant transgressions should be banned, but voters should be trusted to decide what kind of leaders they want to elect, according to Bosworth. "If we don’t want hate-mongering politicians then we must not elect them," Bosworth wrote. "If we change the outcomes without winning the minds of the people who will be ruled then we have a democracy in name only. If we limit what information people have access to and what they can say then we have no democracy at all."

Facebook executive says it helped put Trump in White House

Post-Soleimani’s death, tensions have been escalating between Iran and the United States&nbsp;even as the funeral procession of slain Iran General Soleimani began in his hometown Kerman today. The Iranian general will be buried later on Tuesday.

<meta charset="utf-8" />

<ul>
	<li>Iran’s Quds Force Commander, Qasem Soleimani will be buried in his hometown, Kerman. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The three-day national funeral procession in Iran and Iraq will end today. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised "severe revenge". 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Mourners shouted ‘revenge’ during the national funeral procession observed in Soleimani’s death. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Addressing the crowd during a funeral procession on Monday, Soleimani’s daughter, Zeinab Soleimani, called&nbsp;US President ‘Crazy Trump and added, "Don’t think everything is over",&nbsp;and promised "dark days"&nbsp;for the US in the days ahead.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The Tehran government said it will roll back from the international nuclear accord. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Saudi’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal, said,&nbsp;“It is certainly a very dangerous moment." 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>President Donald Trump tweeted, "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" over Iran’s announcement on Uranium extraction.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1214197038063243266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<ul>
	<li>Amid rising global tensions, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern and called for ‘maximum restraint’.</li>
</ul>

Watch:&nbsp;Soleimani to be buried today in Iranian hometown

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Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-criticises-russia-china-at-un-over-failure-to-condemn-baghdad-embassy-attack-272600">US criticises Russia, China at UN over failure to condemn Baghdad embassy attack</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-have-a-nuclear-weapon-says-trump-as-tehran-mourns-suleimani-272585">Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, says Trump as Tehran mourns Suleimani</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reaches-out-to-countries-in-west-asia-amid-us-iran-tensions-272367">India reaches out to countries in West Asia amid US-Iran tensions</a>

(With Inputs from AFP)

Post-Soleimani’s death, tensions have been escalating between Iran and the United States even as the funeral procession of slain Iran General Soleimani began in his hometown Kerman today.

Post-Soleimani’s death, tensions have been escalating between Iran and the United States even as the funeral procession of slain Iran General Soleimani began in his hometown Kerman today. The Iranian general will be buried later on Tuesday. Iran’s Quds Force Commander, Qasem Soleimani will be buried in his hometown, Kerman. The three-day national funeral procession in Iran and Iraq will end today. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised "severe revenge". Mourners shouted ‘revenge’ during the national funeral procession observed in Soleimani’s death. Addressing the crowd during a funeral procession on Monday, Soleimani’s daughter, Zeinab Soleimani, called US President ‘Crazy Trump and added, "Don’t think everything is over", and promised "dark days" for the US in the days ahead. The Tehran government said it will roll back from the international nuclear accord. Saudi’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal, said, “It is certainly a very dangerous moment." President Donald Trump tweeted, "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" over Iran’s announcement on Uranium extraction. IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2020 × Amid rising global tensions, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern and called for ‘maximum restraint’. Watch: Soleimani to be buried today in Iranian hometown × Read More: US criticises Russia, China at UN over failure to condemn Baghdad embassy attack Read More: Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, says Trump as Tehran mourns Suleimani Read More: India reaches out to countries in West Asia amid US-Iran tensions (With Inputs from AFP)

Latest updates on Iran general Qasem Soleimani's killing: Funeral procession begins in Kerman

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/may-this-year-be-filled-with-joy-and-prosperity-pm-modi-tweets-out-271326">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> recently spoke to United States President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-prepared-to-testify-in-trump-impeachment-trial-john-bolton-272608">Donald Trump</a> on the phone and told him that the relationship between both the countries has grown ''from strength to strength''. Modi further reaffirmed his dedication to cooperation between the countries to Trump, ANI reported.

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister's office, Modi, during the call, highlighted the progress achieved in terms of improving inter-country partnership.

Reportedly, Trump reverted Modi's words with a similar message and expressed satisfaction over the relationship and its progress. Trump also reiterated his readiness to improving ties. 
 
"He expressed satisfaction at the achievements in the relationship in the last few years and reiterated his readiness for further deepening bilateral cooperation", PMO India said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/may-this-year-be-filled-with-joy-and-prosperity-pm-modi-tweets-out-271326">May this year be filled with joy and prosperity: PM Modi tweets out&nbsp;</a> 
 
According to the statement, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lauds-mps-for-record-breaking-parliament-sessions-270872">PM Modi</a> used the words ''trust, mutual respect, and understanding'' to describe the relationship shared by two countries.

During the call, PM Modi also extended New Year greetings to President Trump, his family and the people of the United States. In return, Donald Trump also extended greetings to Indians by wishing for prosperity and progress.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Mann Ki Baat: 60th episode of PM Modi's monthly radio programme

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mann-ki-baat-60th-episode-of-pm-modis-monthly-radio-programme-270821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The Prime Minister stated that India-US relations, which are built on trust, mutual respect and understanding, have grown from strength to strength. The Prime Minister highlighted the significant progress made in deepening the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the previous year and expressed his desire to continue to work with President Trump for enhancing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest," the statement read.

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke to United States President Donald Trump on the phone and told him that the relationship between both the countries has grown ''from strength to strength''.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke to United States President Donald Trump on the phone and told him that the relationship between both the countries has grown ''from strength to strength''. Modi further reaffirmed his dedication to cooperation between the countries to Trump, ANI reported. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister's office, Modi, during the call, highlighted the progress achieved in terms of improving inter-country partnership. Reportedly, Trump reverted Modi's words with a similar message and expressed satisfaction over the relationship and its progress. Trump also reiterated his readiness to improving ties. "He expressed satisfaction at the achievements in the relationship in the last few years and reiterated his readiness for further deepening bilateral cooperation", PMO India said. Also read: May this year be filled with joy and prosperity: PM Modi tweets out According to the statement, PM Modi used the words ''trust, mutual respect, and understanding'' to describe the relationship shared by two countries. During the call, PM Modi also extended New Year greetings to President Trump, his family and the people of the United States. In return, Donald Trump also extended greetings to Indians by wishing for prosperity and progress. Watch: Mann Ki Baat: 60th episode of PM Modi's monthly radio programme "The Prime Minister stated that India-US relations, which are built on trust, mutual respect and understanding, have grown from strength to strength. The Prime Minister highlighted the significant progress made in deepening the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the previous year and expressed his desire to continue to work with President Trump for enhancing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest," the statement read. (With inputs from ANI)

Our relationship has grown from 'strength to strength': PM Modi tells Donald Trump on the phone

What is about President Donald Trump that people even hate him outside Iraq or Iran. Trump is turning out to be the most hated person according to two independent surveys of Germany. #DonaldTrump #Trump #MostHatedPerson

Fineprint: President Donald Trump world's most dangerous man

The US triggered a geopolitical earthquake by killing a top Iranian General. The whole world is now bracing for the fallout.&nbsp;

World War 3 has been the top trend globally and not without reason. There is a threat of a major escalation.

There's no denying the situation is precarious. People over the world are concerned if there will be a war, and if their country will be sucked into it.

The killing of Qasem Soleimani is no small matter. The US may have labelled him a terrorist, but unlike other terrorists America has killed - Soleimani was a state actor.

He was part of a legitimate government - a cult figure and his killing is an attack on a government. Iran has a difficult needle to the thread and its choices are limited.

Not acting is not an option, but the action comes at a cost. And frankly, Iran doesn't have the money.

The Iranian government cannot afford a war with a country like America. The United States has the world's biggest and best-equipped military force.

The US spends more on defence than any other country in the world and it is number one in the rank of power.

Iran which is slowed by sanctions stands at the 13th position. The military budget of the US is more than six hundred billion dollars.

Iran has a military budget of fourteen billion dollars. The US has over one million active personnel as compared to Iran which has over five hundred thousand active military personnel.

So there will be counter-strikes but they may not qualify as a traditional all-out war.&nbsp;

Experts say Iran will go for American soft targets. As for America, it may not have the appetite for a straightforward invasion from Vietnam to Afghanistan to Iraq.

America has failed miserably every time it has tried to capture territory. It's at best, a very effective disruptor.

The definition of war today has changed, conflicts come in many shapes and with deadlier consequences.

So to answer the question we began with - will this lead to the third world war? No, but that doesn't mean there won't be bloodshed and casualties. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The US triggered a geopolitical earthquake by killing a top Iranian General. The whole world is now bracing for the fallout. World War 3 has been the top trend globally and not without reason.

The US triggered a geopolitical earthquake by killing a top Iranian General. The whole world is now bracing for the fallout. World War 3 has been the top trend globally and not without reason. There is a threat of a major escalation. There's no denying the situation is precarious. People over the world are concerned if there will be a war, and if their country will be sucked into it. The killing of Qasem Soleimani is no small matter. The US may have labelled him a terrorist, but unlike other terrorists America has killed - Soleimani was a state actor. He was part of a legitimate government - a cult figure and his killing is an attack on a government. Iran has a difficult needle to the thread and its choices are limited. Not acting is not an option, but the action comes at a cost. And frankly, Iran doesn't have the money. The Iranian government cannot afford a war with a country like America. The United States has the world's biggest and best-equipped military force. The US spends more on defence than any other country in the world and it is number one in the rank of power. Iran which is slowed by sanctions stands at the 13th position. The military budget of the US is more than six hundred billion dollars. Iran has a military budget of fourteen billion dollars. The US has over one million active personnel as compared to Iran which has over five hundred thousand active military personnel. So there will be counter-strikes but they may not qualify as a traditional all-out war. Experts say Iran will go for American soft targets. As for America, it may not have the appetite for a straightforward invasion from Vietnam to Afghanistan to Iraq. America has failed miserably every time it has tried to capture territory. It's at best, a very effective disruptor. The definition of war today has changed, conflicts come in many shapes and with deadlier consequences. So to answer the question we began with - will this lead to the third world war? No, but that doesn't mean there won't be bloodshed and casualties. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Are US and Iran on the brink of war?

Three days ago, the US triggered a geopolitical earthquake by killing a top Iranian General. The whole world is now bracing for the fallout. Palki Sharma recaps the top five developments from the crisis that is brewing in West Asia. #Gravitas #Iran #US #USAirStrike #SoleimaniKilled

Gravitas: Are US and Iran on the brink of war?

International leaders have called for restraint and de-escalation following the assassination of Iran’s top general, ordered by US President Donald Trump, as Iran’s allies warned the killing could lead to conflict.

Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran

Trump Threatens Iranian Cultural Sites, and Warns of Sanctions on Iraq. The president threatened Iran over potential retaliation for the death of a top general.

US-Iran conflict: Trump warns Iran of Major Retaliation

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-china-ink-3-agreements-during-chinese-fms-visit-248757">Nepal</a> Foreign Affairs on Sunday alerted its missions overlooking Iran and Iraq as tensions in the region heightened following the killing of Iran's top military general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-will-lead-to-the-strengthening-of-iranian-hardliners-272109">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a US-led drone strike.

The foreign office has ordered its mission in Kuwait and Pakistan to remain vigilant in the wake of rising in tensions in the Middle East and send a timely update about the situation and condition regarding the prevailing situation.

"We have ordered them to maintain vigilance and establish a proper communication channel with Nepali nationals there. They are also asked to submit timely reports on-ground situation as both the nations come under them," the spokesperson of Nepal's Foreign Affairs Ministry Bharatraj Poudyal told ANI.

Soleimani was killed last week in the drone strike authorised by US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-challenges-vice-president-mike-pences-claims-of-soleimani-assisting-911-terrorists-272199">Donald Trump</a> which further increased tensions in the Middle East.

The US has also asked its citizens to leave in the wake of Soleimani's killing. Iran has also declared three days of mourning following the development.

Earlier today, Trump warned Iran saying that if it strikes any Americans or American assets, the US has "targeted 52 Iranian sites" and it "will be hit very fast and very hard".

Trump on Saturday had said that the killing of Soleimani was aimed 'to stop a war, not to start a war.' He also said that Soleimani was plotting attacks on US diplomats and military personnel before he was killed.

The attack came just days after Hashd members and supporters attempted to storm the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/an-attack-in-the-homeland-may-come-with-little-or-no-warning-us-department-of-homeland-security-272207">US Embassy in Baghdad</a>, in response to the air attacks against Kataib Hezbollah a member of the umbrella organisation that operates in Iraq and Syria.

The Nepal Foreign Affairs on Sunday alerted its missions overlooking Iran and Iraq as tensions in the region heightened following the killing of Iran's top military general Qasem Soleimani in a US-led drone strike.

The Nepal Foreign Affairs on Sunday alerted its missions overlooking Iran and Iraq as tensions in the region heightened following the killing of Iran's top military general Qasem Soleimani in a US-led drone strike. The foreign office has ordered its mission in Kuwait and Pakistan to remain vigilant in the wake of rising in tensions in the Middle East and send a timely update about the situation and condition regarding the prevailing situation. "We have ordered them to maintain vigilance and establish a proper communication channel with Nepali nationals there. They are also asked to submit timely reports on-ground situation as both the nations come under them," the spokesperson of Nepal's Foreign Affairs Ministry Bharatraj Poudyal told ANI. Soleimani was killed last week in the drone strike authorised by US President Donald Trump which further increased tensions in the Middle East. The US has also asked its citizens to leave in the wake of Soleimani's killing. Iran has also declared three days of mourning following the development. Earlier today, Trump warned Iran saying that if it strikes any Americans or American assets, the US has "targeted 52 Iranian sites" and it "will be hit very fast and very hard". Trump on Saturday had said that the killing of Soleimani was aimed 'to stop a war, not to start a war.' He also said that Soleimani was plotting attacks on US diplomats and military personnel before he was killed. The attack came just days after Hashd members and supporters attempted to storm the US Embassy in Baghdad, in response to the air attacks against Kataib Hezbollah a member of the umbrella organisation that operates in Iraq and Syria.

Nepal's foreign ministry alerts embassies amid rising tensions in Middle East

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 06, 2020

Iran on January 5 said that it was ending its commitment to limit enrichment of uranium as part of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, more fallout from the US strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said earlier that recent events meant Iran would take an even bigger step away from the deal than it had initially planned. #Iran #US #NuclearDeal #SoleimaniKilling #QassemSoleimani

Fineprint: Iran pulls out of nuclear deal after killing of Solemani

Iraq's parliament passed a resolution earlier Sunday urging the government to expel U.S. troops from the country over the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani and the leader of an Iraqi militia on its soil.

Trump warns he may hit Iraq with sanctions

The head of the US&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Judiciary Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-looms-as-us-house-committee-approves-charges-268218">Lindsey Graham</a>&nbsp;said on Sunday he wants the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;to launch an&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;trial&nbsp;of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;within days and wrap it up this month, even if it means changing&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;rules.

The Democratic-controlled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-gives-lawmakers-formal-notice-of-iraq-strike-amid-complaints-from-democrats-272196">House of Representatives</a> last month voted to impeach&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;for abuse of power in pressuring Ukraine to investigate a political rival and for obstructing the House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;probe.

House Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">Nancy Pelosi</a>, however, has not yet sent the articles of&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;to the&nbsp;Republican-led&nbsp;Senate, where the president would be tried, as Democrats have sought to pressure&nbsp;Republicans to call witnesses.

Speaking on Fox News Channel's "Sunday Morning Futures,"&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;Senator Lindsey Graham said he wants to&nbsp;change&nbsp;the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;rules to&nbsp;kick&nbsp;start&nbsp;a&nbsp;trial&nbsp;if Pelosi does not send the articles of&nbsp;impeachment.

Senate&nbsp;Majority Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treasurys-mnuchin-to-head-us-delegation-to-davos-conclave-271625">Mitch McConnell</a>, a&nbsp;Republican, said on Friday the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;cannot proceed with a&nbsp;trial&nbsp;under its&nbsp;rules until it receives them.

McConnell has argued that any decision on potential witnesses should come after senators have heard opening arguments and have had a chance to ask questions.

"My goal is to&nbsp;start&nbsp;this&nbsp;trial&nbsp;in the next coming days," Graham said. "If we don't get the articles this week, then we need to take matters in our own hands and&nbsp;change&nbsp;the&nbsp;rules."

"This thing needs to be over with in January," he said, arguing that a delay denies&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;an opportunity to confront the accusations and impedes Congress' ability to pursue other business.

McConnell's office on Sunday did not comment on Graham's call for a possible&nbsp;rule&nbsp;change.

An aide to Pelosi referred to a statement she issued on Friday in which she accused McConnell of being complicit in&nbsp;Trump's "cover-up of his abuses of power."

US&nbsp;Representative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-democrats-make-case-for-republicans-to-endorse-trump-impeachment-268418">Adam Schiff</a>, the Democratic Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee that led the House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;proceedings said on CNN: "Both Democrats and&nbsp;Republicans are now having to go on the record and say, do we want witnesses? Do we want to see the documents? Do we want the American people to hear the evidence? Do we want a real&nbsp;trial? Or do we want a cover-up? It's clear, I think, from the president and Mitch McConnell they don't want a&nbsp;trial&nbsp;anymore."

With no agreement in sight on how to proceed, senators on Monday are expected to resume consideration of a nominee to head the Small Business Administration as they return to town for business after a holiday break.

Trump&nbsp;is accused of abusing his power by asking Ukraine to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-may-consider-obama-as-supreme-court-judge-if-he-becomes-president-271019">Joe Biden</a>, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the November presidential election.

He was also accused of obstructing Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facing-blowback-biden-clarifies-stance-on-impeachment-trial-testimony-270786">impeachment&nbsp;inquiry</a>.

Trump&nbsp;says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win.

With&nbsp;Trump's fellow&nbsp;Republicans controlling the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;with a 53-47 majority, he is unlikely to be convicted and removed from office, which would require a two-thirds majority vote.

Democrats, however, hope they could peel off a few&nbsp;Republicans to push through a resolution for witnesses, which would only require a simple majority.

Allowing witness testimony could bring up new evidence damaging to&nbsp;Trump.

"We need the truth,"&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on Twitter. "Not a cover-up. Not a nationally televised mock&nbsp;trial&nbsp;with no evidence."

The head of the US Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey Graham said on Sunday he wants the Senate to launch an impeachment trial of President Donald Trump within days and wrap it up this month, even if it means changing Senate rules.

The head of the US Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey Graham said on Sunday he wants the Senate to launch an impeachment trial of President Donald Trump within days and wrap it up this month, even if it means changing Senate rules. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives last month voted to impeach Trump for abuse of power in pressuring Ukraine to investigate a political rival and for obstructing the House impeachment probe. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, however, has not yet sent the articles of impeachment to the Republican-led Senate, where the president would be tried, as Democrats have sought to pressure Republicans to call witnesses. Speaking on Fox News Channel's "Sunday Morning Futures," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he wants to change the Senate rules to kick start a trial if Pelosi does not send the articles of impeachment. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said on Friday the Senate cannot proceed with a trial under its rules until it receives them. McConnell has argued that any decision on potential witnesses should come after senators have heard opening arguments and have had a chance to ask questions. "My goal is to start this trial in the next coming days," Graham said. "If we don't get the articles this week, then we need to take matters in our own hands and change the rules." "This thing needs to be over with in January," he said, arguing that a delay denies Trump an opportunity to confront the accusations and impedes Congress' ability to pursue other business. McConnell's office on Sunday did not comment on Graham's call for a possible rule change. An aide to Pelosi referred to a statement she issued on Friday in which she accused McConnell of being complicit in Trump's "cover-up of his abuses of power." US Representative Adam Schiff, the Democratic Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee that led the House impeachment proceedings said on CNN: "Both Democrats and Republicans are now having to go on the record and say, do we want witnesses? Do we want to see the documents? Do we want the American people to hear the evidence? Do we want a real trial? Or do we want a cover-up? It's clear, I think, from the president and Mitch McConnell they don't want a trial anymore." With no agreement in sight on how to proceed, senators on Monday are expected to resume consideration of a nominee to head the Small Business Administration as they return to town for business after a holiday break. Trump is accused of abusing his power by asking Ukraine to announce a corruption investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the November presidential election. He was also accused of obstructing Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to cooperate with the House impeachment inquiry. Trump says he did nothing wrong and has dismissed his impeachment as a partisan bid to undo his 2016 election win. With Trump's fellow Republicans controlling the Senate with a 53-47 majority, he is unlikely to be convicted and removed from office, which would require a two-thirds majority vote. Democrats, however, hope they could peel off a few Republicans to push through a resolution for witnesses, which would only require a simple majority. Allowing witness testimony could bring up new evidence damaging to Trump. "We need the truth," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on Twitter. "Not a cover-up. Not a nationally televised mock trial with no evidence."

Senator Lindsey Graham wishes to kick start trump impeachment trial even if it means changing Senate rules

US&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">Joe&nbsp;Biden</a> on Sunday won the support of&nbsp;three&nbsp;politicians who helped&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;seize control of the House of Representatives in 2018, endorsements that could help bolster arguments he is best positioned to fend off Republicans this year.

The&nbsp;backing by Democratic US&nbsp;Representatives Elaine Luria of Virginia and Chrissy Houlahan and Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania is evidence of support for&nbsp;Biden among&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;in "swing"&nbsp;districts that were held by Republicans before the 2018 vote.

If&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;push the wrong message or candidate during the&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;race, those&nbsp;districts could flip to Republicans.

All&nbsp;three&nbsp;of the lawmakers served in the US&nbsp;military and could help draw attention to&nbsp;Biden's&nbsp;foreign policy experience as a longtime senator and one-time vice president.

Foreign policy has been thrust into the 2020 race by Republican President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-iran-strike-us-will-quickly-strike-back-says-trump-272374">Donald Trump's</a> decision to kill Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani with an airstrike on Friday that sharply escalated tensions between the two countries.

Biden, 77, tells voters his experience would be a key asset as president, while his competitors often say voters are looking for something new and focus on aspects of his record they see falling short.

"Joe&nbsp;Biden is 'battle-tested' on the world stage, in Congress, and in the White House," Luria said in a statement released by&nbsp;Biden's&nbsp;campaign. "He will defeat Donald Trump and win in tough&nbsp;districts like mine."

Biden is the front-runner in national public opinion polls among&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;seeking to face Trump in November's&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;election. Voters will also be casting ballots for members of the House, as well as many Senate seats.

Before facing voters in the general election,&nbsp;Biden first needs to win his party's nomination in primaries taking place state-by-state starting next month, and he faces a tough race.

Opinion polls from the very first states that will weigh in, Iowa and New Hampshire, suggest&nbsp;Biden might lose both contests to Senators <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/from-joe-biden-to-donald-trump-music-choices-help-rally-supporters-269653">Bernie Sanders</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-candidate-warren-discloses-details-of-past-legal-work-showing-2-million-in-compensation-267187">Elizabeth Warren</a> or former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

Biden has increasingly been arguing that he is best positioned to help vulnerable&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;win tough elections.

He was recently endorsed by another 2018&nbsp;swing-district&nbsp;House Democrat, Abby Finkenauer of Iowa.

US presidential candidate Joe Biden on Sunday won the support of three politicians who helped Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives in 2018, endorsements that could help bolster arguments he is best positioned to fend off Republicans this year.

US presidential candidate Joe Biden on Sunday won the support of three politicians who helped Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives in 2018, endorsements that could help bolster arguments he is best positioned to fend off Republicans this year. The backing by Democratic US Representatives Elaine Luria of Virginia and Chrissy Houlahan and Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania is evidence of support for Biden among Democrats in "swing" districts that were held by Republicans before the 2018 vote. If Democrats push the wrong message or candidate during the presidential race, those districts could flip to Republicans. All three of the lawmakers served in the US military and could help draw attention to Biden's foreign policy experience as a longtime senator and one-time vice president. Foreign policy has been thrust into the 2020 race by Republican President Donald Trump's decision to kill Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani with an airstrike on Friday that sharply escalated tensions between the two countries. Biden, 77, tells voters his experience would be a key asset as president, while his competitors often say voters are looking for something new and focus on aspects of his record they see falling short. "Joe Biden is 'battle-tested' on the world stage, in Congress, and in the White House," Luria said in a statement released by Biden's campaign. "He will defeat Donald Trump and win in tough districts like mine." Biden is the front-runner in national public opinion polls among Democrats seeking to face Trump in November's presidential election. Voters will also be casting ballots for members of the House, as well as many Senate seats. Before facing voters in the general election, Biden first needs to win his party's nomination in primaries taking place state-by-state starting next month, and he faces a tough race. Opinion polls from the very first states that will weigh in, Iowa and New Hampshire, suggest Biden might lose both contests to Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren or former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Biden has increasingly been arguing that he is best positioned to help vulnerable Democrats win tough elections. He was recently endorsed by another 2018 swing-district House Democrat, Abby Finkenauer of Iowa.

Three swing-state Democrats back for Joe Biden's presidential bid

US-Iran Conflict: Impact on India and Indians in West Asia

The funeral procession of Qasem Soleimani took place on the streets of Ahvaz city in Iran. Thousands of Iranian mourn the death of Former Iranian major general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qasem Soleimani. #QasemSoleimani #QasemSoleimaniFuneral #Soleimani #US #Iran #WION

Funeral procession of Qasem Soleimani, thousands Iranian mourn Soleimani's death

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Sunday said that he spoke to Iran foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and added ''India remains deeply concerned about the levels of tension''. #WION #Iran #NuclearDeal #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #SJaishankar

India contacts West Asian nations amid escalating tensions

Iran's supreme leader appointed Esmail Qaani as the new head of the Foreign Operations arm of the Revolutionary Guard after its commander Qasem Soleimani, was killed on Friday in a US attack on Baghdad Airport. #EsmailQaani #QasemSoleimani #IranRevolutionaryGuard #US #WION

Who is 'Esmail Qaani' named as Soleimani's successor?

Iran's top military general Qasem Soleimani's killing has sent shockwaves across the world. Diplomatic channels in almost every nation are watching the developments closely. "Like ISIS, Like Hitler, Like Genghis! They all hate cultures. Trump is a terrorist in a suit. He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat 'the Great Iranian Nation & Culture'," Information and Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi tweeted. #WION #Iran #NuclearDeal #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani

Iran to take 5th step back from Nuclear deal

After the escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran and at a time when World War 3 is trending on Twitter, an old video of US President Donald Trump has resurfaced where he accused his predecessor Barack Obama of starting a war with Iran.&nbsp;

In the video which came out in 2011, Trump said that then-president Obama will start a war with Iran because of his inability to negotiate and in order to get reelected.&nbsp;

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"Our president will start a war with Iran because he has absolutely no ability to negotiate. He's weak and he's ineffective. So the only way he figures that he's going to get reelected and is sure as you're sitting there is to start a war with Iran." <a href="https://t.co/Ad6IPLhOWg">pic.twitter.com/Ad6IPLhOWg</a>
— Angelo Carusone (@GoAngelo) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoAngelo/status/1212938627279466503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-target-52-iranian-sites-if-americans-are-attacked-donald-trump-272166">US to target 52 Iranian sites if Americans are attacked: Donald Trump</a>

"President will start a war with Iran because he has absolutely no ability to negotiate. He is weak and ineffective. So the only way that he figured he is going to get reelected is to start a war with Iran," Trump had said in the video.&nbsp;

Ironically, concerns were raised of war after the strained ties between Washington and Tehran became even worsened after the killing of former Qasem Soleimani by a US drone strike.&nbsp;

Soleimani was a much-revered figure in Iran and its adjoining region and the pro-Iranian factions are threatening of attacking US missiles across Iraq after his killing.

Trump has been extremely critical of Obama's policies and in 2018 pulled out of former US President's nuclear deal with Iran and imposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic. China, Russia, Europeans were the other parties of the nuclear pact that limited Iran to extract uranium and in return avoided sanctions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After the escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran and at a time when World War 3 is trending on Twitter, an old video of US President Donald Trump has resurfaced where he accused his predecessor Barack Obama of starting a war with Iran.

After the escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran and at a time when World War 3 is trending on Twitter, an old video of US President Donald Trump has resurfaced where he accused his predecessor Barack Obama of starting a war with Iran. In the video which came out in 2011, Trump said that then-president Obama will start a war with Iran because of his inability to negotiate and in order to get reelected. "Our president will start a war with Iran because he has absolutely no ability to negotiate. He's weak and he's ineffective. So the only way he figures that he's going to get reelected and is sure as you're sitting there is to start a war with Iran." pic.twitter.com/Ad6IPLhOWg — Angelo Carusone (@GoAngelo) January 3, 2020 × Also read: US to target 52 Iranian sites if Americans are attacked: Donald Trump "President will start a war with Iran because he has absolutely no ability to negotiate. He is weak and ineffective. So the only way that he figured he is going to get reelected is to start a war with Iran," Trump had said in the video. Ironically, concerns were raised of war after the strained ties between Washington and Tehran became even worsened after the killing of former Qasem Soleimani by a US drone strike. Soleimani was a much-revered figure in Iran and its adjoining region and the pro-Iranian factions are threatening of attacking US missiles across Iraq after his killing. Trump has been extremely critical of Obama's policies and in 2018 pulled out of former US President's nuclear deal with Iran and imposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic. China, Russia, Europeans were the other parties of the nuclear pact that limited Iran to extract uranium and in return avoided sanctions.

Barack Obama will start a war with Iran: Donald Trump's 2011 video resurfaces

In 2011, Donald Trump claimed through a video that President Barack Obama (Ex-US President) will start a war with Iran as he doesn't have another option because he is weak now." That video of 2011 resurfacing on the internet as it has been claimed by some that present U.S. President Donald Trump is trying out the same method. Is it his hypocrisy that has been revealed? #USElection #US #DonaldTrump #Iran #Iraq #QasemSoleimani #WION

Trump's 2011 video resurfaces on internet claiming, "Obama will attack Iran to win polls"

Iran's top military general Qasem Soleimani's killing has sent shockwaves across the world. Diplomatic channels in almost every nation are watching the developments closely. The Indian government as well has found itself in a tough spot. The immediate fallout before PM Modi and his policy advisers will be managing the spike in global oil prices. But looking at India's history with Iran and the current relations with the United States the political dynamics become interesting. #WION #Iran #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani

Impact on India as US-Iran tension escalates

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world. #WIONSpeedNews #WION

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 05, 2020

Iran condemned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-challenges-vice-president-mike-pences-claims-of-soleimani-assisting-911-terrorists-272199">Donald Trump</a> on Sunday as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US&nbsp;president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites hard if Tehran attacks Americans or US&nbsp;assets in retaliation for the killing of military commander Qassem Soleimani.

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Like ISIS, like Hitler, Like Genghis! 
 
They all hate cultures. Trump is a "terrorist in a suit". He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat "the Great Iranian Nation &amp; Culture".<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HardRevenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HardRevenge</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QasemSoleimani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QasemSoleimani</a> <a href="https://t.co/N2iQ5AMX7M">https://t.co/N2iQ5AMX7M</a>
— MJ Azari Jahromi (@azarijahromi) <a href="https://twitter.com/azarijahromi/status/1213743924952666114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Like ISIS, Like Hitler, Like Genghis! They all hate cultures. Trump is a terrorist in a suit. He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat 'the Great Iranian Nation &amp; Culture'," Information and Telecommunications Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foiled-very-big-foreign-cyber-attack-iran-267687">Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi</a> tweeted.

Soleimani, Iran's pre-eminent military commander, was killed on Friday in a US&nbsp;drone strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport, an attack that has taken long-running hostilities between Washington and Tehran into uncharted territory and raised the spectre of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Soleimani was the architect of Tehran’s overseas clandestine and military operations as head of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force.

Giving no indication of seeking to defuse tensions after the strike he ordered, Trump issued a stern threat to the Islamic Republic.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, he said Iran "is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets" to avenge Soleimani's death.

Trump said the United States has "targeted 52 Iranian sites" and that some were "at a very high level &amp; important to Iran &amp; the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD."

He said the 52 targets represented the 52 Americans held hostage in Iran after being seized at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-be-a-war-crime-if-us-attacks-irans-cultural-sites-foreign-minister-zarif-272268">US&nbsp;Embassy</a> in 1979 during the country's Islamic Revolution.

Iran's army chief, Major General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lacks-courage-for-military-confrontation-with-iran-iran-army-chief-272304">Abdolrahim Mousavi</a>, was quoted by state television on Sunday as saying the United States lacked the courage for a military confrontation with Iran.

"In a potential conflict in the future, which I don't think they (Americans) have the courage to carry out, there it will become clear where the numbers five and two will belong," he said.

Trump said on Friday Soleimani had been plotting "imminent and sinister" attacks on US&nbsp;diplomats and military personnel. Democratic critics said the Republican president's action was reckless and risked more bloodshed in a dangerous region.

Thousands of mourners turned out to pay respects to the slain commander on Sunday after Soleimani's body was returned to Iran, the official IRIB news agency reported.

While many Iranians have rallied in to show grief over the death of Soleimani, regarded as the country’s second most powerful figure after Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-mourners-pay-respect-as-qasem-soleimanis-body-reaches-iran-272228">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, others worry that his death might push the country to war with a superpower.

On Friday, Khamenei promised harsh revenge and declared three days of mourning.

Soleimani's body was flown to the city of Ahvaz in southwest Iran. IRIB posted a video clip of a casket wrapped in an Iranian flag being unloaded from a plane as a military band played.

Thousands of mourners dressed in black marched through the streets of Ahvaz beating their chests in live footage aired on state TV.

British foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dominic-raab-calls-for-de-escalation-of-tensions-after-killing-of-menace-soleimani-272295">Dominic Raab</a> said on Sunday he had spoken to Iraq's prime minister and president to urge efforts to relieve tensions in the region following the US&nbsp;strike.

Raab, who described Soleimani as a "regional menace" and said he was sympathetic to the situation the United States found itself in, said he also planned to speak to Iran's foreign minister.

"There is a route through which allows Iran to come in from out of the international cold," he told Sky News. "We need to contain the nefarious actions of Iran but we also need to de-escalate and stabilise the situation."

Friday's US&nbsp;airstrike also killed Iraqi militia leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-target-52-iranian-sites-if-americans-are-attacked-donald-trump-272166">Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis</a>.

Iraq's parliament was set to convene an extraordinary session on Sunday where lawmakers told media that they would push for a vote on a resolution requiring the government to request the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops from Iraq.

"There is no need for the presence of American forces after defeating Daesh (Islamic State)," said Ammar al-Shibli, a Shi'ite lawmaker and member of parliament's legal committee.

Despite decades of enmity between Iran and the United States, Iran-backed militia and US&nbsp;troops fought side by side during Iraq's 2014-2017 war against Islamic State militants.

Around 5,000 US&nbsp;troops remain in Iraq, most of them in an advisory capacity.

The militia was incorporated into government forces under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilisation Forces which Muhandis led.

Many Iraqis, including opponents of Soleimani, have expressed anger at Washington for killing the two men on Iraqi soil and possibly dragging their country into another conflict.

On Saturday evening, a rocket fell inside Baghdad’s heavily-fortified Green Zone near the US&nbsp;embassy, another hit the nearby Jadriya neighbourhood and two more were fired at the Balad air base north of the city. No one was killed, the Iraqi military said.

The US&nbsp;strike followed a spike in US-Iranian hostilities in Iraq since last week when pro-Iranian militias attacked the US&nbsp;embassy in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-ditches-iran-extends-tacit-support-to-us-over-airstrikes-for-resumption-in-military-cooperation-272236">Baghdad</a> after a deadly US&nbsp;air raid on Kataib Hezbollah, a militia founded by Muhandis. Washington accused the group of an attack on an Iraqi military base that killed an American contractor.

Iran condemned Donald Trump on Sunday as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites hard if Tehran attacks Americans or US assets in retaliation for the killing of military commander Qassem Soleimani.

Iran condemned Donald Trump on Sunday as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites hard if Tehran attacks Americans or US assets in retaliation for the killing of military commander Qassem Soleimani. Like ISIS, like Hitler, Like Genghis! They all hate cultures. Trump is a "terrorist in a suit". He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat "the Great Iranian Nation & Culture".#HardRevenge#QasemSoleimani https://t.co/N2iQ5AMX7M — MJ Azari Jahromi (@azarijahromi) January 5, 2020 × "Like ISIS, Like Hitler, Like Genghis! They all hate cultures. Trump is a terrorist in a suit. He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat 'the Great Iranian Nation & Culture'," Information and Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi tweeted. Soleimani, Iran's pre-eminent military commander, was killed on Friday in a US drone strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport, an attack that has taken long-running hostilities between Washington and Tehran into uncharted territory and raised the spectre of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Soleimani was the architect of Tehran’s overseas clandestine and military operations as head of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force. Giving no indication of seeking to defuse tensions after the strike he ordered, Trump issued a stern threat to the Islamic Republic. In a series of tweets on Saturday, he said Iran "is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets" to avenge Soleimani's death. Trump said the United States has "targeted 52 Iranian sites" and that some were "at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD." He said the 52 targets represented the 52 Americans held hostage in Iran after being seized at the US Embassy in 1979 during the country's Islamic Revolution. Iran's army chief, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, was quoted by state television on Sunday as saying the United States lacked the courage for a military confrontation with Iran. "In a potential conflict in the future, which I don't think they (Americans) have the courage to carry out, there it will become clear where the numbers five and two will belong," he said. Trump said on Friday Soleimani had been plotting "imminent and sinister" attacks on US diplomats and military personnel. Democratic critics said the Republican president's action was reckless and risked more bloodshed in a dangerous region. Thousands of mourners turned out to pay respects to the slain commander on Sunday after Soleimani's body was returned to Iran, the official IRIB news agency reported. While many Iranians have rallied in to show grief over the death of Soleimani, regarded as the country’s second most powerful figure after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, others worry that his death might push the country to war with a superpower. On Friday, Khamenei promised harsh revenge and declared three days of mourning. Soleimani's body was flown to the city of Ahvaz in southwest Iran. IRIB posted a video clip of a casket wrapped in an Iranian flag being unloaded from a plane as a military band played. Thousands of mourners dressed in black marched through the streets of Ahvaz beating their chests in live footage aired on state TV. British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday he had spoken to Iraq's prime minister and president to urge efforts to relieve tensions in the region following the US strike. Raab, who described Soleimani as a "regional menace" and said he was sympathetic to the situation the United States found itself in, said he also planned to speak to Iran's foreign minister. "There is a route through which allows Iran to come in from out of the international cold," he told Sky News. "We need to contain the nefarious actions of Iran but we also need to de-escalate and stabilise the situation." Friday's US airstrike also killed Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Iraq's parliament was set to convene an extraordinary session on Sunday where lawmakers told media that they would push for a vote on a resolution requiring the government to request the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. "There is no need for the presence of American forces after defeating Daesh (Islamic State)," said Ammar al-Shibli, a Shi'ite lawmaker and member of parliament's legal committee. Despite decades of enmity between Iran and the United States, Iran-backed militia and US troops fought side by side during Iraq's 2014-2017 war against Islamic State militants. Around 5,000 US troops remain in Iraq, most of them in an advisory capacity. The militia was incorporated into government forces under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilisation Forces which Muhandis led. Many Iraqis, including opponents of Soleimani, have expressed anger at Washington for killing the two men on Iraqi soil and possibly dragging their country into another conflict. On Saturday evening, a rocket fell inside Baghdad’s heavily-fortified Green Zone near the US embassy, another hit the nearby Jadriya neighbourhood and two more were fired at the Balad air base north of the city. No one was killed, the Iraqi military said. The US strike followed a spike in US-Iranian hostilities in Iraq since last week when pro-Iranian militias attacked the US embassy in Baghdad after a deadly US air raid on Kataib Hezbollah, a militia founded by Muhandis. Washington accused the group of an attack on an Iraqi military base that killed an American contractor.

Iran's I&T Minister MJ Azari condemns Preisdent Donald Trump as 'terrorist in a suit' after attack threat

The funeral procession of Qasem Soleimani took place on the streets of Ahvaz city in Iran. Thousands of Iranian mourn the death of Former Iranian major general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qasem Soleimani. #WION #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #Iran

Iran: Thousands pay respect to Qasem Soleimani

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to Trump's warnings on Sunday in a tweet, saying that targetting country's cultural sites would be a "war crime".&nbsp;

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-Having committed grave breaches of int'l law in Friday's cowardly assassinations, <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realdonaldtrump</a> threatens to commit again new breaches of JUS COGENS; 
 
-Targeting cultural sites is a WAR CRIME; 
 
-Whether kicking or screaming, end of US malign presence in West Asia has begun.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1213742809095770113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The comments came after Trump tweeted early on Sunday where he warned Iran that US would target Iran's 52 sites if they killed any American.&nbsp;

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....hundreds of Iranian protesters. He was already attacking our Embassy, and preparing for additional hits in other locations. Iran has been nothing but problems for many years. Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1213593974679769093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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....targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level &amp; important to Iran &amp; the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1213593975732527112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Iran "will be hit very fast and very hard," Trump said in a tweet.&nbsp;

The tensions between Iran and the US rose after the killing of Soleimani, former chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force. Concerns of war were also raised after the US drone strike that killed Soleimani and Iraq's paramilitary chief.&nbsp;

Iran's army chief General Abdolrahim Mousavi also said on Sunday that US lacked the "courage" to initiate a conflict.&nbsp;

"I doubt they have the courage to initiate," Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said, reported by state news agency IRNA.&nbsp;

Earlier today, thousands of mourners cried, beat their chests as they paid respect to&nbsp;Soleimani after his last remains reached Iran.

In the southwestern city of Ahvaz, men and women shouted "Death to America" and carried portraits of the commander.

It is expected that the last remains of Soleimani, who was much-revered in the region&nbsp;will reach Iraqi capital Tehran in the evening. The funeral fo former commander will be done in his hometown Kerman on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Earlier, Iran's supreme commander Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed of "severe revenge" after the killing of former commander.&nbsp; 
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Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to Trump's warnings on Sunday in a tweet, saying that targetting country's cultural sites would be a "war crime".

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to Trump's warnings on Sunday in a tweet, saying that targetting country's cultural sites would be a "war crime". -Having committed grave breaches of int'l law in Friday's cowardly assassinations, @realdonaldtrump threatens to commit again new breaches of JUS COGENS; -Targeting cultural sites is a WAR CRIME; -Whether kicking or screaming, end of US malign presence in West Asia has begun. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 5, 2020 × The comments came after Trump tweeted early on Sunday where he warned Iran that US would target Iran's 52 sites if they killed any American. ....hundreds of Iranian protesters. He was already attacking our Embassy, and preparing for additional hits in other locations. Iran has been nothing but problems for many years. Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020 × ....targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020 × Iran "will be hit very fast and very hard," Trump said in a tweet. The tensions between Iran and the US rose after the killing of Soleimani, former chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force. Concerns of war were also raised after the US drone strike that killed Soleimani and Iraq's paramilitary chief. Iran's army chief General Abdolrahim Mousavi also said on Sunday that US lacked the "courage" to initiate a conflict. "I doubt they have the courage to initiate," Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said, reported by state news agency IRNA. Earlier today, thousands of mourners cried, beat their chests as they paid respect to Soleimani after his last remains reached Iran. In the southwestern city of Ahvaz, men and women shouted "Death to America" and carried portraits of the commander. It is expected that the last remains of Soleimani, who was much-revered in the region will reach Iraqi capital Tehran in the evening. The funeral fo former commander will be done in his hometown Kerman on Tuesday. Earlier, Iran's supreme commander Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed of "severe revenge" after the killing of former commander.

It will be a 'war crime' if US attacks Iran's cultural sites: Foreign minister Zarif

Iranian Parliament MPs shouted "Death to America!" On Sunday during a session to discuss the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US military strike. #IranianParliament #QasemSoleimani

Iran MPs chant 'Death to America' as Soleimani's body brought back to Tehran

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday&nbsp;that the United States is targetting 52&nbsp;sites in Iran and asserted of hitting them "very fast and very hard" if threats to the US are not stopped.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, Trump said Iran is talking very boldly about targetting "US assets" after the killing of top commander Qasem Soleimani.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chants-of-death-to-america-as-iraqis-mourn-death-of-iranian-commander-272136">Chants of 'Death to America' as Iraqis mourn death of Iranian commander Soleimani</a> 
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Iran is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets as revenge for our ridding the world of their terrorist leader who had just killed an American, &amp; badly wounded many others, not to mention all of the people he had killed over his lifetime, including recently....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1213593965838163968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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....hundreds of Iranian protesters. He was already attacking our Embassy, and preparing for additional hits in other locations. Iran has been nothing but problems for many years. Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1213593974679769093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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....targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level &amp; important to Iran &amp; the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1213593975732527112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Iran is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets as revenge for our ridding the world of their terrorist leader who had just killed an American, &amp; badly wounded many others, not to mention all of the people he had killed over his lifetime, including recently hundreds of Iranian 
protesters. He was already attacking our Embassy, and preparing for additional hits in other locations. Iran has been nothing but problems for many years."

He added that 52 represents the number of US hostages taken by Iran many years ago.&nbsp;

"Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have targetted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level &amp; important to Iran &amp; &nbsp;the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran 
itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats!," Trump tweeted.

The threat by the US President comes after two mortar rounds hit an area near the US embassy in Baghdad on Saturday, in apparent retaliation after the killing of Soleimani.&nbsp;

After the mortar attack, almost simultaneously, two rockets also were fired aiming the Al-Balad airbase where American troops are deployed. However, the US and Iraqi military confirmed that there were no casualties.&nbsp;

Soleimani, a much-revered figure in Iran and nearby region, was the leader of Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' and was killed in a drone strike by the US near the Baghdad international airport. The strike killed 10 people including Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.&nbsp;

Yesterday, thousands of people in Iran chanted "Death to America" and called for "revenge" in the funeral procession in honour of late commander.&nbsp;

Pro-Iranian groups in Iran are threatening of targetting US installations across Iraq with missiles and warnings to Iraqi troops, part of great anger against the killing of Soleimani.&nbsp;

Earlier Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also called for "severe revenge" and vowed that "God willing, his work and his path will not be stopped".&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday that the United States is targetting 52 sites in Iran and asserted of hitting them "very fast and very hard" if threats to the US are not stopped.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday that the United States is targetting 52 sites in Iran and asserted of hitting them "very fast and very hard" if threats to the US are not stopped. Taking to Twitter, Trump said Iran is talking very boldly about targetting "US assets" after the killing of top commander Qasem Soleimani. Also read: Chants of 'Death to America' as Iraqis mourn death of Iranian commander Soleimani Iran is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets as revenge for our ridding the world of their terrorist leader who had just killed an American, & badly wounded many others, not to mention all of the people he had killed over his lifetime, including recently.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020 × ....hundreds of Iranian protesters. He was already attacking our Embassy, and preparing for additional hits in other locations. Iran has been nothing but problems for many years. Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020 × ....targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2020 × "Iran is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets as revenge for our ridding the world of their terrorist leader who had just killed an American, & badly wounded many others, not to mention all of the people he had killed over his lifetime, including recently hundreds of Iranian protesters. He was already attacking our Embassy, and preparing for additional hits in other locations. Iran has been nothing but problems for many years." He added that 52 represents the number of US hostages taken by Iran many years ago. "Let this serve as a WARNING that if Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, we have targetted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats!," Trump tweeted. The threat by the US President comes after two mortar rounds hit an area near the US embassy in Baghdad on Saturday, in apparent retaliation after the killing of Soleimani. After the mortar attack, almost simultaneously, two rockets also were fired aiming the Al-Balad airbase where American troops are deployed. However, the US and Iraqi military confirmed that there were no casualties. Soleimani, a much-revered figure in Iran and nearby region, was the leader of Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' and was killed in a drone strike by the US near the Baghdad international airport. The strike killed 10 people including Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Yesterday, thousands of people in Iran chanted "Death to America" and called for "revenge" in the funeral procession in honour of late commander. Pro-Iranian groups in Iran are threatening of targetting US installations across Iraq with missiles and warnings to Iraqi troops, part of great anger against the killing of Soleimani. Earlier Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also called for "severe revenge" and vowed that "God willing, his work and his path will not be stopped".

US to target 52 Iranian sites if Americans are attacked: Donald Trump

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