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 07, 2020

Large crowds turned out in the hometown of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani for his burial on Tuesday, a day after an enormous funeral procession was held in the capital of Tehran.

Soleimani's burial procession commences in Kerman

Amid US and Iran's heightened tensions over the killing of Top Iranian military Chief qassem soleimani the situation is critical in the West Asia region and that could also lead to further clashes. Let's just have an overall comparison between both countries.

US vs Iran: Who would win? Watch the overall comparision

Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani will be laid to rest today in his hometown of Kerman as part of three days of ceremonies across the country. #Qasem Soleimani #Qasem Soleimaniburied #Iran

Soleimani to be buried today in Iranian hometown

A leaked draft letter from a top US general overseeing the fight against ISIS in Iraq to the Iraqi military sparked concerns that the US was preparing to withdraw troops from the country. #US #Pentagon #USleakedletter

Confusion after US military letter talks of troop withdrawal

<p>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.</p>

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<ul>
	<li>Iran’s Quds Force Commander, Qasem Soleimani will be buried in his hometown, Kerman.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The three-day national funeral procession in Iran and Iraq will end today.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised "severe revenge".<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Mourners shouted ‘revenge’ during the national funeral procession observed in Soleimani’s death.<br />
	&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;<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The Tehran government said it will roll back from the international nuclear accord.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Saudi’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal, said,&nbsp;“It is certainly a very dangerous moment."<br />
	&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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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!</p>
— 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>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Soleimani to be buried today in Iranian hometown</strong></p>

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<p><br />
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></p>

<p>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></p>

<p>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></p>

<p><em>(With Inputs from AFP)</em></p>


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

Iran's parliament has unanimously passed a bill naming the United States' forces as "terrorists" over the assassination of top military commander Qassem Soleimani in an air attack in Iraq. Soleimani, the popular head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) foreign operations arm Quds Force, was killed in a US drone attack outside Baghdad airport on January 3, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. #USForces #Iran #US #SoleimaniKilling #

WION Dispatch: Iran designates Pentagon as terrorist

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

<p>The US triggered a geopolitical earthquake by killing a top Iranian General. The whole world is now bracing for the fallout.&nbsp;</p>

<p>World War 3 has been the top trend globally and not without reason. There is a threat of a major escalation.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Not acting is not an option, but the action comes at a cost. And frankly, Iran doesn't have the money.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The US spends more on defence than any other country in the world and it is number one in the rank of power.</p>

<p>Iran which is slowed by sanctions stands at the 13th position. The military budget of the US is more than six hundred billion dollars.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>So there will be counter-strikes but they may not qualify as a traditional all-out war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>America has failed miserably every time it has tried to capture territory. It's at best, a very effective disruptor.</p>

<p>The definition of war today has changed, conflicts come in many shapes and with deadlier consequences.</p>

<p>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.<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


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?

<p>As tension is rising between the United States and Iran after the killing of Iranian's top military commander, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-criticises-russia-china-at-un-over-failure-to-condemn-baghdad-embassy-attack-272600">Qasem Soleimani</a>, the Philippines government is preparing to evacuate thousands of Filipinos working in the Middle East region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>About 2.3 million people from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-philippines-typhoon-hits-50-271165">Philippines</a>&nbsp;are working in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;as domestic helpers, construction&nbsp;workers, engineers, and nurses.</p>

<p>President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/take-it-or-leave-it-duterte-on-water-distribution-contract-272682">Rodrigo Duterte</a> has ordered the armed forces to prepare air and naval assets for the evacuation of Filipinos in Iraq, Iran, and nearby Arab countries, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Saying he was deeply worried about the prospect of a "protracted-war", Duterte told reporters he sent a special envoy to Tehran and Baghdad to get assurances that Filipinos would be provided safe passage in case of evacuation.</p>

<p>"We have so many Filipinos working mainly in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East. I am nervous. Iran seems to be hell-bent on retaliation, which I think will come," Duterte said in a speech on Monday.</p>

<p>There are close to 7,000 Filipinos working and living in Iraq and more than 1,000 in Iran, according to government data.</p>

<p>Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who heads a newly created committee to prepare the evacuation, said the government is readying aircraft to ferry Filipinos in Iraq and Iran who wish to come home or be&nbsp;evacuated to safer areas.</p>

<p>"We can send transportation to fetch them," Lorenza told reporters, adding that hiring a cruise ship was among the things the government was considering to safely&nbsp;evacuate&nbsp;those who would wish to be repatriated.</p>

<p>Iran is considering 13 scenarios to avenge Friday's killing of Qassem Soleimani by a US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-have-a-nuclear-weapon-says-trump-as-tehran-mourns-suleimani-272585">drone attack</a> in Iraq, a senior Tehran official said on Tuesday as the general's body was brought to his hometown for burial.</p>

<p>Filipinos in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;sent home $5.4 billion in remittances from January to October last year, accounting for a fifth of total remittances for that period, making the region a major source of foreign exchange inflows which help drive growth in the consumption-led Philippine economy.</p>

<p>In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offer-to-host-apec-not-a-good-idea-malaysia-260620">Saifuddin Abdullah</a> advised Malaysians to defer nonessential travel to the region, "in particular areas where the security situation is critical", and for citizens in the region to register with their nearest foreign mission.</p>

<p>"The ministry advises all Malaysians residing, or currently traveling to the region to be more vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and security,” Saifuddin told at a press conference.</p>


As tension is rising between the United States and Iran after the killing of Iranian's top military commander, Qasem Soleimani, the Philippines government is preparing to evacuate thousands of Filipinos working in the Middle East region.

As tension is rising between the United States and Iran after the killing of Iranian's top military commander, Qasem Soleimani, the Philippines government is preparing to evacuate thousands of Filipinos working in the Middle East region. About 2.3 million people from the Philippines are working in the Middle East as domestic helpers, construction workers, engineers, and nurses. President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the armed forces to prepare air and naval assets for the evacuation of Filipinos in Iraq, Iran, and nearby Arab countries, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday. Saying he was deeply worried about the prospect of a "protracted-war", Duterte told reporters he sent a special envoy to Tehran and Baghdad to get assurances that Filipinos would be provided safe passage in case of evacuation. "We have so many Filipinos working mainly in the Middle East. I am nervous. Iran seems to be hell-bent on retaliation, which I think will come," Duterte said in a speech on Monday. There are close to 7,000 Filipinos working and living in Iraq and more than 1,000 in Iran, according to government data. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who heads a newly created committee to prepare the evacuation, said the government is readying aircraft to ferry Filipinos in Iraq and Iran who wish to come home or be evacuated to safer areas. "We can send transportation to fetch them," Lorenza told reporters, adding that hiring a cruise ship was among the things the government was considering to safely evacuate those who would wish to be repatriated. Iran is considering 13 scenarios to avenge Friday's killing of Qassem Soleimani by a US drone attack in Iraq, a senior Tehran official said on Tuesday as the general's body was brought to his hometown for burial. Filipinos in the Middle East sent home $5.4 billion in remittances from January to October last year, accounting for a fifth of total remittances for that period, making the region a major source of foreign exchange inflows which help drive growth in the consumption-led Philippine economy. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah advised Malaysians to defer nonessential travel to the region, "in particular areas where the security situation is critical", and for citizens in the region to register with their nearest foreign mission. "The ministry advises all Malaysians residing, or currently traveling to the region to be more vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and security,” Saifuddin told at a press conference.

Philippines prepares for 'evacuation' of citizens in Middle East

Thousands have gathered to get the final glimpse of slain general Qassim Suleimaniwho was killed in the US airstrike. People were seen weeping and flying Iranian flags as the three day mourning period come to an end. As Iran mourns general Qassim's death, the US is fire fighting a blunder of monumental proportions. This has a connection with a leaked letter from the Pentagon. The letter informs the Iraqi government of America's decision to withdraw troops from the country. Watch report: #SuleimaniKilling #QassimSuleimani #SuleimaniBurial

Tears and fury on the streets Of Kerman on burial of Qassim Suleimani

<p>The foreign ministers of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-most-prolific-rapist-convicted-of-150-offences-272720">Britain</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-government-seeks-to-end-unrest-by-resuming-pension-talks-272609">France</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-germans-killed-as-car-hits-pedestrians-in-northern-italy-272318">Germany and Italy</a> along with the EU diplomatic chief will hold talks in Brussels Tuesday on the Iran and Libya crises, officials told sources.</p>

<p>The British foreign ministry said the talks would cover the fallout from the US killing of a top Iranian general as well as Tehran's latest step back from the 2015 nuclear deal.</p>

<p>The situation in Libya, where strongman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-30-people-killed-in-libya-military-academy-attack-in-tripoli-272302">Khalifa Haftar</a>'s forces have seized the coastal city of Sirte, is also the agenda.</p>

<p>The emergency meeting comes as the EU scrambles for ways to contain the growing tensions in two major flashpoints on its periphery, as Iran threatens revenge for the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/assassination-of-qasim-soleimani-what-we-know-so-far-272653">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a US drone strike in Baghdad on Friday.</p>

<p>British foreign minister Dominic Raab will hold a one-on-one meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, who has warned Iran against retaliating over Soleimani's death, before joining the German and Italian ministers for talks on Libya.</p>

<p>"The foreign secretary is travelling to Brussels today for talks with his European counterparts on the situation in the Middle East following the death of Soleimani and on the escalating conflict in Libya," the British foreign ministry said.</p>

<p><strong><a>Watch</a>: East Libya to cut ties with Turkey</strong></p>

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<p>"The E3 will then meet to discuss the tensions between the US and Iran with all three pushing for de-escalation," it added, referring to Britain, France and Germany as the three European signatories of the Iran nuclear deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The talks will also cover the nuclear deal following Iran’s latest announcement on Sunday that it is withdrawing from further commitments in the deal."</p>

<p>Timings for the meetings have not yet been announced.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Targeted killing</strong></p>

<p>European powers on Monday criticised Iran's latest announcement that it was cutting its commitments under the nuclear deal, which has been steadily unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew and reimposed sanctions in May 2018.</p>

<p>But the possible repercussions from Friday's targeted killing of Soleimani - the key player in Iran's network of alliances and proxy groups around the Middle East - will be a more pressing concern.</p>

<p>The US operation took Washington's allies by surprise, and NATO held an urgent meeting of its ruling council on Monday to hear from American officials and discuss the future of the alliance's training mission in Iraq.</p>

<p>NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi on Tuesday to say the alliance remains committed to the fight against the Islamic State group (IS) and would resume training activities - suspended after Soleimani's death - as soon as security improves.</p>

<p>In Libya, Haftar's capture of Sirte raised tensions as Turkey said it was deploying troops to the country to protect the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Turkish parliament passes Libya deployment bill</strong></p>

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<p>The oil-rich North African country has been plunged into chaos since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.</p>

<p>EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned Monday that more intense fighting could soon break out around Tripoli and called for a political solution to the crisis.</p>

<p>The new European Commission has vowed to take on a more "geopolitical" role but the EU often finds itself hamstrung on foreign policy by internal differences and it took three days for President Ursula von der Leyen to issue a statement on Soleimani's killing.&nbsp;</p>


The foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany and Italy along with the EU diplomatic chief will hold talks in Brussels Tuesday on the Iran and Libya crises, officials told sources.

The foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany and Italy along with the EU diplomatic chief will hold talks in Brussels Tuesday on the Iran and Libya crises, officials told sources. The British foreign ministry said the talks would cover the fallout from the US killing of a top Iranian general as well as Tehran's latest step back from the 2015 nuclear deal. The situation in Libya, where strongman Khalifa Haftar's forces have seized the coastal city of Sirte, is also the agenda. The emergency meeting comes as the EU scrambles for ways to contain the growing tensions in two major flashpoints on its periphery, as Iran threatens revenge for the death of Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad on Friday. British foreign minister Dominic Raab will hold a one-on-one meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, who has warned Iran against retaliating over Soleimani's death, before joining the German and Italian ministers for talks on Libya. "The foreign secretary is travelling to Brussels today for talks with his European counterparts on the situation in the Middle East following the death of Soleimani and on the escalating conflict in Libya," the British foreign ministry said. Watch: East Libya to cut ties with Turkey × "The E3 will then meet to discuss the tensions between the US and Iran with all three pushing for de-escalation," it added, referring to Britain, France and Germany as the three European signatories of the Iran nuclear deal. "The talks will also cover the nuclear deal following Iran’s latest announcement on Sunday that it is withdrawing from further commitments in the deal." Timings for the meetings have not yet been announced. Targeted killing European powers on Monday criticised Iran's latest announcement that it was cutting its commitments under the nuclear deal, which has been steadily unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew and reimposed sanctions in May 2018. But the possible repercussions from Friday's targeted killing of Soleimani - the key player in Iran's network of alliances and proxy groups around the Middle East - will be a more pressing concern. The US operation took Washington's allies by surprise, and NATO held an urgent meeting of its ruling council on Monday to hear from American officials and discuss the future of the alliance's training mission in Iraq. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi on Tuesday to say the alliance remains committed to the fight against the Islamic State group (IS) and would resume training activities - suspended after Soleimani's death - as soon as security improves. In Libya, Haftar's capture of Sirte raised tensions as Turkey said it was deploying troops to the country to protect the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). Watch: Turkish parliament passes Libya deployment bill × The oil-rich North African country has been plunged into chaos since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned Monday that more intense fighting could soon break out around Tripoli and called for a political solution to the crisis. The new European Commission has vowed to take on a more "geopolitical" role but the EU often finds itself hamstrung on foreign policy by internal differences and it took three days for President Ursula von der Leyen to issue a statement on Soleimani's killing.

UK, French, German, Italian FMs meeting on Iran, Libya

Iraqi mourners held a funeral procession for militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis on January 7, who was killed by U.S. air strike at Baghdad airport. A stampede erupted at the funeral procession, killing 35 people and injuring 48 others. According to the report the stampede took place in Kerman, the hometown of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassim Suleimani. #WION #SuleimaniKilling #SuleimaniFuneral

35 killed, 48 injured in stampede at slain general Qassim Suleimani's funeral

Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, was killed along with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi), an Iran-backed umbrella organisation comprising several militias. #Iran #US #Soleimanikilling

Aftermath of Soleimani Killing

Breakdown of United States-Iran military capabilities

<p>An American airstrike last week that killed Iranian Major-General Qasim Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis drove the already politically fractured region into an entirely new era of high tensions and instability.</p>

<p>President Trump celebrated the assassination of Soleimani as a big win for America, stating that the slain commander of the Iran Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force had put in harm's way multiple American lives.</p>

<p>As Iran promises revenge, people of the country came out by the&nbsp;millions to protest the American operation and pay their respects to the martyred 'Hero of the Iranian people'. Here is what we know:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Protests against US operations in Iraq and Syria are met with heavy protests by Iran-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad, ultimately leading to its evacuation.</li>
	<li>US airstrikes on January 3, 2020, led to the death of IRG Quds Force commander Major-General Qasim Soleimani and Popular Mobilization Forces leader&nbsp;Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside of Baghdad International Airport.</li>
</ul>
<img alt="US airstrike" data-align="center" data-caption="A picture published by the media office of the Iraqi military's joint operations forces on their official Facebook page shows a destroyed vehicle on fire following a US strike on January 3, 2020 on Baghdad international airport road in which top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani was killed along with eight others. (Photo courtesy: AFP)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="461e31a4-9f14-48c8-8c2f-4e7b93c4d750" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_36.jpg" />
<p><em>A picture published by the media office of the Iraqi military's joint operations forces on their official Facebook page shows a destroyed vehicle on fire following a US strike on January 3, 2020 on Baghdad international airport road in which top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani was killed along with eight others. (Photo courtesy: AFP)</em></p>

<ul>
	<li>The US State Department issues a travel advisory urging all American citizens to leave Iraq by any means.</li>
	<li>President Donald Trump celebrates the assassination of the Quds Force commander, whose actions&nbsp;had killed Americans and had put many&nbsp;lives at stake. He added that the General had plotted&nbsp;terror attacks in New Delhi as well as London.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-contributed-to-plotting-terror-attacks-in-new-delhi-london-trump-272027">Soleimani contributed to plotting terror attacks in New Delhi, London: Trump</a></strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>Secretary of State Michael Pompeo defends his President's actions and statements.</li>
	<li>Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei instates a period of mourning across Iran, declares Soleimani a martyred 'Hero' and vows revenge.</li>
</ul>
<img alt="Khamenei" data-align="center" data-caption="An image grab from an Iran Press video shows Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (L), accompanied by Ebrahim Raisi, Chief Justice of Iran , weeping as he recites a prayer in front of the coffin of slain Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani duing a funeral procession in the capital Tehran on January 6, 2020. (Photo courtesy: AFP)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1b6f1c39-f089-4448-8369-1423f5425033" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_40.jpg" />
<p>An image grab from an Iran Press video shows Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (L), accompanied by Ebrahim Raisi, Chief Justice of Iran , weeping as he recites a prayer in front of the coffin of slain Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani duing a funeral procession in the capital Tehran on January 6, 2020. (Photo courtesy: AFP)</p>

<ul>
	<li>Millions of people across the country pour into the streets to mourn the loss of one of the most important figures in the country. The sheer number of people represent the General's death the most devastating for the country since the demise of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.</li>
	<li>For the first time in the history of Iran, a red flag was raised over the Holy Dome of Jamkaran Mosque symbolising a severe battle to come.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;<a href="&lt;div class=&quot;videoWrapper trancodeVideo&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe src=&quot;https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-raises-the-revenge-flag-over-mosque-after-soleimanis-killing-by-us-272265/embed&quot; width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;350&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;max-width:560px;&quot; class=&quot;includeVideo&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; autoplay=1 allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">Iran raises the 'revenge flag' over mosque after Soleimani's killing by U.S.</a></strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>On January 5, 2020, the Iraqi parliament voted to expel American troops stationed in the country, a move highly contested by American President Trump.</li>
	<li>Leaders across the world are calling for a de-escalation of tensions and suggest to utilise all diplomatic and non-physical means to settle and&nbsp;prevent any further conflict.</li>
</ul>
<img alt="Protests" data-align="center" data-caption="Iranian mourners gather during the final stage of funeral processions for slain top general Qasem Soleimani, in his hometown Kerman on January 7, 2020. (Photo courtesy: AFP)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e957cb7c-3cc4-4494-abb9-db2a1d5c99ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_27.jpg" />
<p>Iranian mourners gather during the final stage of funeral processions for slain top general Qasem Soleimani, in his hometown Kerman on January 7, 2020. (Photo courtesy: AFP)</p>

<ul>
	<li>On January 6, 2020, addressing the crowd during a funeral procession was the General's&nbsp;daughter, Zeinab Soleimani, calling the American&nbsp;President ‘Crazy Trump', adding:&nbsp;"Don’t think everything is over".&nbsp;She&nbsp;promised "dark days"&nbsp;for the US in the days ahead.</li>
	<li>The new head of the Iran Revolutionary Guards'&nbsp;Quds force Esmail Qaani vowed to expel the United States from the region.</li>
	<li>On January 7, 2019, Soleimani's body reached his hometown of Kerman in Southeastern Iran, where people in tears,&nbsp;clad in black gathered on the streets to pay their last respects to the fallen 'Hero'.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/qasem-soleimani-the-latest-file-terminated-at-cia-headquarters-271942#dear-general-271919">Qasem Soleimani: The latest file terminated at CIA Headquarters</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/soleimanis-killing-how-was-the-operation-carried-out-and-what-are-the-consequences-272077">Soleimani's killing: How was the operation carried out and what are the consequences?</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Read:&nbsp;<a href="Iranians gather for Soleimani's funeral procession in hometown Kerman">Iranians gather for Soleimani's funeral procession in hometown Kerman</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-designates-all-us-forces-as-terrorists-for-killing-general-soleimani-272688">Iran designates all US forces as 'terrorists' for killing general Soleimani</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;<a href="&lt;div class=&quot;videoWrapper trancodeVideo&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe src=&quot;https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayatollah-khamenei-vows-severe-revenge-for-soleimani-killing-271851/embed&quot; width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;350&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;max-width:560px;&quot; class=&quot;includeVideo&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; autoplay=1 allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">Ayatollah Khamenei vows ‘severe revenge’ for Soleimani killing</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;<a href="&lt;div class=&quot;videoWrapper trancodeVideo&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe src=&quot;https://www.wionews.com/videos/funeral-procession-of-qasem-soleimani-thousands-iranian-mourn-soleimanis-death-272222/embed&quot; width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;350&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;max-width:560px;&quot; class=&quot;includeVideo&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; autoplay=1 allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">Funeral procession of Qasem Soleimani, thousands Iranian mourn Soleimani's death</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


An American airstrike last week that killed Iranian Major-General Qasim Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis drove the already politically fractured region into an entirely new era of high tensions and instability.

An American airstrike last week that killed Iranian Major-General Qasim Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis drove the already politically fractured region into an entirely new era of high tensions and instability. President Trump celebrated the assassination of Soleimani as a big win for America, stating that the slain commander of the Iran Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force had put in harm's way multiple American lives. As Iran promises revenge, people of the country came out by the millions to protest the American operation and pay their respects to the martyred 'Hero of the Iranian people'. Here is what we know: Protests against US operations in Iraq and Syria are met with heavy protests by Iran-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad, ultimately leading to its evacuation. US airstrikes on January 3, 2020, led to the death of IRG Quds Force commander Major-General Qasim Soleimani and Popular Mobilization Forces leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside of Baghdad International Airport. A picture published by the media office of the Iraqi military's joint operations forces on their official Facebook page shows a destroyed vehicle on fire following a US strike on January 3, 2020 on Baghdad international airport road in which top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani was killed along with eight others. (Photo courtesy: AFP) The US State Department issues a travel advisory urging all American citizens to leave Iraq by any means. President Donald Trump celebrates the assassination of the Quds Force commander, whose actions had killed Americans and had put many lives at stake. He added that the General had plotted terror attacks in New Delhi as well as London. Read: Soleimani contributed to plotting terror attacks in New Delhi, London: Trump Secretary of State Michael Pompeo defends his President's actions and statements. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei instates a period of mourning across Iran, declares Soleimani a martyred 'Hero' and vows revenge. An image grab from an Iran Press video shows Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (L), accompanied by Ebrahim Raisi, Chief Justice of Iran , weeping as he recites a prayer in front of the coffin of slain Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani duing a funeral procession in the capital Tehran on January 6, 2020. (Photo courtesy: AFP) Millions of people across the country pour into the streets to mourn the loss of one of the most important figures in the country. The sheer number of people represent the General's death the most devastating for the country since the demise of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. For the first time in the history of Iran, a red flag was raised over the Holy Dome of Jamkaran Mosque symbolising a severe battle to come. Watch: Iran raises the 'revenge flag' over mosque after Soleimani's killing by U.S. On January 5, 2020, the Iraqi parliament voted to expel American troops stationed in the country, a move highly contested by American President Trump. Leaders across the world are calling for a de-escalation of tensions and suggest to utilise all diplomatic and non-physical means to settle and prevent any further conflict. Iranian mourners gather during the final stage of funeral processions for slain top general Qasem Soleimani, in his hometown Kerman on January 7, 2020. (Photo courtesy: AFP) On January 6, 2020, addressing the crowd during a funeral procession was the General's daughter, Zeinab Soleimani, calling the American President ‘Crazy Trump', adding: "Don’t think everything is over". She promised "dark days" for the US in the days ahead. The new head of the Iran Revolutionary Guards' Quds force Esmail Qaani vowed to expel the United States from the region. On January 7, 2019, Soleimani's body reached his hometown of Kerman in Southeastern Iran, where people in tears, clad in black gathered on the streets to pay their last respects to the fallen 'Hero'. In Pics: Qasem Soleimani: The latest file terminated at CIA Headquarters In Pics: Soleimani's killing: How was the operation carried out and what are the consequences? Read: Iranians gather for Soleimani's funeral procession in hometown Kerman Read: Iran designates all US forces as 'terrorists' for killing general Soleimani Watch: Ayatollah Khamenei vows ‘severe revenge’ for Soleimani killing Watch: Funeral procession of Qasem Soleimani, thousands Iranian mourn Soleimani's death

Assassination of Qasim Soleimani: What we know so far

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-right-to-self-defence-says-israels-benjamin-netanyahu-after-soleimanis-killing-271977">Israel</a>'s energy minister said on Tuesday it is too early to determine whether Iran is on the path towards building a nuclear weapon after it announced it would abandon limitations on enriching uranium.</p>

<p>"It's too early to say," the minister, Yuval Steinitz, told Israel Radio when asked if Iran was on the way towards constructing an atomic bomb. "We have to wait and see."</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Israel - Saturday's flood killed two people in Tel Aviv city</strong></p>

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<p>On Sunday, two days after a US&nbsp;drone strike in Baghdad killed a top Iranian military commander, Tehran said it would abandon limitations on enriching uranium.</p>

<p>Iran has already breached many of the restrictions of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-have-a-nuclear-weapon-says-trump-as-tehran-mourns-suleimani-272585">2015 nuclear deal</a> with world powers, from which the United States withdrew in 2018.</p>

<p>But Iran also has said it would continue to cooperate with the UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog and could quickly reverse its steps if US&nbsp;sanctions are removed.</p>

<p>Steinitz, a member of Israel's security cabinet, reiterated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-in-apparent-stumble-calls-israel-a-nuclear-power-272310">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>'s pledge that Israel would never allow arch-enemy Iran to have nuclear weapons.</p>

<p>But he appeared to try to distance Israel - whose military, according to Army Radio, went on alert after Friday's US&nbsp;strike in Iraq - from the current heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.</p>

<p>"We are standing on the sidelines, observing events," he said.</p>


Israel's energy minister said on Tuesday it is too early to determine whether Iran is on the path towards building a nuclear weapon after it announced it would abandon limitations on enriching uranium.

Israel's energy minister said on Tuesday it is too early to determine whether Iran is on the path towards building a nuclear weapon after it announced it would abandon limitations on enriching uranium. "It's too early to say," the minister, Yuval Steinitz, told Israel Radio when asked if Iran was on the way towards constructing an atomic bomb. "We have to wait and see." Watch: Israel - Saturday's flood killed two people in Tel Aviv city × On Sunday, two days after a US drone strike in Baghdad killed a top Iranian military commander, Tehran said it would abandon limitations on enriching uranium. Iran has already breached many of the restrictions of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, from which the United States withdrew in 2018. But Iran also has said it would continue to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog and could quickly reverse its steps if US sanctions are removed. Steinitz, a member of Israel's security cabinet, reiterated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pledge that Israel would never allow arch-enemy Iran to have nuclear weapons. But he appeared to try to distance Israel - whose military, according to Army Radio, went on alert after Friday's US strike in Iraq - from the current heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. "We are standing on the sidelines, observing events," he said.

Too early to say if Iran on path towards nuclear weapon: Israeli minister

Oil prices climbed above $70 a barrel for the first time in four months on Monday amid fears that the US airstrike that killed Iran’s top military commander may trigger a retaliation and disrupt global energy supplies. #WestAsia #USIran #Oilprices

Oil prices top $70 a barrel amid West Asia conflict

Iran has vowed revenge for the death of Qassem Soleimani. Tensions are high in West Asia. People have only one question - Will West Asia witness another war? Palki Sharma decodes the crisis. #WIONEdit #SoleimaniKilling

WION Edit: Iran - US tensions - Is the world staring at another 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?

A tide of mourners welcomed the body of Gen. Qassem Soleimani home to Iran on Monday, ahead of a grand funeral for the man whose death in a U.S. drone strike

Iranians hold funeral procession for Iran's top general Qassem Soleimani

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

<p>President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-iran-strike-us-will-quickly-strike-back-says-trump-272374">Donald Trump </a>on Monday repeated his insistence that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/something-is-going-to-happen-but-not-war-expert-on-us-iran-tension-272543">nuclear weapon</a>, amid mounting tension over the US killing of a top Iranian commander.</p>

<p>Writing in all-caps, the US leader tweeted: "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!</p>
— 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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<p>The tweet came a day after Tehran announced it was further winding down observance of parts of an international deal struck to ensure that the country does not secretly develop a nuclear weapon under cover of its civilian nuclear industry.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-iran-pulls-out-of-nuclear-deal-after-killing-of-solemani-272578/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 deal negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama. Last year, Iran resumed uranium enrichment, reporting a tenfold increase in production.</p>

<p>Tensions between the two countries spiked last week when a US drone strike in Baghdad killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>While Iran has threatened retaliation for the killing, Trump has warned that the US will strike "very hard and very fast" at as many as 52 Iranian targets if the Islamic republic does attack US personnel or assets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Huge crowds turned out Monday in Iran for the 62-year-old commander's funeral, while in neighbouring Iraq, parliament has voted to expel some 5,200 US troops stationed in the country.</p>

<p>Trump's tweet did not add any details about the steps he was considering to prevent Iran from reviving its nuclear program. Iran has always denied any military dimension to its nuclear project.</p>


President Donald Trump on Monday repeated his insistence that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, amid mounting tension over the US killing of a top Iranian commander.

President Donald Trump on Monday repeated his insistence that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, amid mounting tension over the US killing of a top Iranian commander. Writing in all-caps, the US leader tweeted: "IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2020 × The tweet came a day after Tehran announced it was further winding down observance of parts of an international deal struck to ensure that the country does not secretly develop a nuclear weapon under cover of its civilian nuclear industry. Watch: Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 deal negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama. Last year, Iran resumed uranium enrichment, reporting a tenfold increase in production. Tensions between the two countries spiked last week when a US drone strike in Baghdad killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force. Watch: While Iran has threatened retaliation for the killing, Trump has warned that the US will strike "very hard and very fast" at as many as 52 Iranian targets if the Islamic republic does attack US personnel or assets. Huge crowds turned out Monday in Iran for the 62-year-old commander's funeral, while in neighbouring Iraq, parliament has voted to expel some 5,200 US troops stationed in the country. Trump's tweet did not add any details about the steps he was considering to prevent Iran from reviving its nuclear program. Iran has always denied any military dimension to its nuclear project.

Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, says Trump as Tehran mourns Suleimani

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

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

<p>A gauge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Asian shares</a> was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks.</p>

<p>The United States detected a heightened state of alert by Iran's missile forces, as President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> warned the US&nbsp;would strike back, "perhaps in a disproportionate manner," if Iran attacked any American person or target.</p>

<p>Iraq's parliament on Sunday recommended all foreign troops be ordered out of the country after the US&nbsp;killing of a top Iranian military commander and an Iraqi militia leader.</p>

<p>Spot gold surged 1.5 per cent&nbsp;to $1,579.55 per ounce in jittery trade and reached its highest since April 2013.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-tumble-ahead-of-opec-meeting-global-stocks-fall-265363">Oil prices</a> added to their gains on fears any conflict in the region could disrupt global supplies.</p>

<p>Brent crude futures rose $1.46 to $70.06 a barrel, while US crude climbed $1.17 to $64.22.</p>

<p>"The risk of further escalation has clearly gone up&nbsp;given the direct attack on Iran, Iran's threat of retaliation and Trump's desire to look tough - posing the threat of higher oil prices," said Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP Capital.</p>

<p>"Historically though oil prices need to double to pose a severe threat to global growth and we are a long way from that."</p>

<p><strong>Watch Video:</strong></p>

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<p>MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan&nbsp;slipped 0.7 per cent.</p>

<p>Japan's Nikkei slid almost 2 per cent&nbsp;in a sour return from holiday, while E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500&nbsp; fell 0.5&nbsp;per cent in very choppy trade.</p>

<p>Chinese shares opened in the red too, with the blue-chip CSI300 index off a shade while Australian shares were off 0.4 per cent.</p>

<p>"Geopolitical tensions look like remaining elevated in the coming days, so lending support to oil prices and keeping risk asset markets on the defensive," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank.</p>

<p>Sovereign bonds benefited from the safety bid with yields on 10-year Treasuries down at 1.769&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;having fallen 10 basis points on Friday. Treasury futures gained 5-1/2 ticks.</p>

<p>In currency markets, the Japanese yen remained the favoured safe harbour courtesy of Japan's massive holdings of foreign assets. Investors assume Japanese funds would repatriate their money during a truly global crisis, pushing the yen higher.</p>

<p>On Monday, the dollar was last at 107.98 yen, after falling to a three-month trough of 107.78 earlier in the session. The euro likewise eased to 120.55 yen having hit a three-week low.</p>

<p>The dollar was steadier against the other majors, with the euro little changed at $1.1161. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was holding at 96.86.</p>

<p>The risk-sensitive currencies of Australia and New Zealand were on track for their fourth straight session of losses.</p>


A gauge of Asian shares was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks.

A gauge of Asian shares was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks. The United States detected a heightened state of alert by Iran's missile forces, as President Donald Trump warned the US would strike back, "perhaps in a disproportionate manner," if Iran attacked any American person or target. Iraq's parliament on Sunday recommended all foreign troops be ordered out of the country after the US killing of a top Iranian military commander and an Iraqi militia leader. Spot gold surged 1.5 per cent to $1,579.55 per ounce in jittery trade and reached its highest since April 2013. Oil prices added to their gains on fears any conflict in the region could disrupt global supplies. Brent crude futures rose $1.46 to $70.06 a barrel, while US crude climbed $1.17 to $64.22. "The risk of further escalation has clearly gone up given the direct attack on Iran, Iran's threat of retaliation and Trump's desire to look tough - posing the threat of higher oil prices," said Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP Capital. "Historically though oil prices need to double to pose a severe threat to global growth and we are a long way from that." Watch Video: MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei slid almost 2 per cent in a sour return from holiday, while E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 fell 0.5 per cent in very choppy trade. Chinese shares opened in the red too, with the blue-chip CSI300 index off a shade while Australian shares were off 0.4 per cent. "Geopolitical tensions look like remaining elevated in the coming days, so lending support to oil prices and keeping risk asset markets on the defensive," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank. Sovereign bonds benefited from the safety bid with yields on 10-year Treasuries down at 1.769 per cent having fallen 10 basis points on Friday. Treasury futures gained 5-1/2 ticks. In currency markets, the Japanese yen remained the favoured safe harbour courtesy of Japan's massive holdings of foreign assets. Investors assume Japanese funds would repatriate their money during a truly global crisis, pushing the yen higher. On Monday, the dollar was last at 107.98 yen, after falling to a three-month trough of 107.78 earlier in the session. The euro likewise eased to 120.55 yen having hit a three-week low. The dollar was steadier against the other majors, with the euro little changed at $1.1161. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was holding at 96.86. The risk-sensitive currencies of Australia and New Zealand were on track for their fourth straight session of losses.

Gold, oil prices soar amid US-Iran tensions

<p>Britain is urgently speaking to parties across the globe about&nbsp;Iran's recent&nbsp;announcement&nbsp;which indicates that it will abandon limitations on enriching uranium which is extremely concerning, a spokesman for Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-exclaimed-with-f-word-in-reaction-to-soleimanis-killing-in-us-airstrikes-272225">Boris Johnson</a> said on Monday.</p>

<p>The spokesman also said there were international conventions in place to prevent the destruction of cultural heritage after US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-iran-strike-us-will-quickly-strike-back-says-trump-272374">Donald Trump</a> threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites, including targets important to Iranian culture, if Tehran attacks Americans or US&nbsp;assets.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran</strong></p>

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<p>"Iran's announcement is clearly extremely concerning. It is in everyone's interests that the deal remains in place. It makes the world safer by taking the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran firmly off the table," the spokesman told reporters.</p>

<p>"We have always said the nuclear deal is a reciprocal deal, and in light of Iran's announcement we are urgently speaking to partners about next steps."</p>

<p>On Trump's threat to strike Iranian sites, the spokesman said,&nbsp;"There are international conventions in place which prevent the destruction of cultural heritage.</p>


Britain is urgently speaking to parties across the globe about Iran's recent announcement which indicates that it will abandon limitations on enriching uranium which is extremely concerning, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

Britain is urgently speaking to parties across the globe about Iran's recent announcement which indicates that it will abandon limitations on enriching uranium which is extremely concerning, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. The spokesman also said there were international conventions in place to prevent the destruction of cultural heritage after US President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites, including targets important to Iranian culture, if Tehran attacks Americans or US assets. Watch: Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran × "Iran's announcement is clearly extremely concerning. It is in everyone's interests that the deal remains in place. It makes the world safer by taking the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran firmly off the table," the spokesman told reporters. "We have always said the nuclear deal is a reciprocal deal, and in light of Iran's announcement we are urgently speaking to partners about next steps." On Trump's threat to strike Iranian sites, the spokesman said, "There are international conventions in place which prevent the destruction of cultural heritage.

Britain alarmed by Iran nuclear announcement: PM Boris Johnson's spokesman

<p>Saudi Arabia's foreign minister,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-saudi-foreign-minister-faisal-bin-farhan-al-saud-to-visit-today-270275">Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud</a>&nbsp;said on Monday the kingdom does not want to see a further escalation of tensions in the region at a "very dangerous moment", following Friday's killing by a US&nbsp;drone strike of Iran's most prominent military commander and Quds force head, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-updates-on-iran-general-qassem-soleimanis-death-272457">Qasem Soleimani</a>.</p>

<p>"We are very keen that the situation in the region doesn't escalate any further. It's certainly a very dangerous moment and we have to be conscious of the risks and dangers not just to the region but to wider global security," Prince Faisal bin Farhan told a news briefing in Riyadh.</p>

<p>"We hope that all actors take all the steps necessary to prevent any further escalation and any provocation," he said.</p>


Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud said on Monday the kingdom does not want to see a further escalation of tensions in the region at a "very dangerous moment", following Friday's killing by a US drone strike of Iran's most prominent military commander and Quds force head, Qasem Soleimani.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud said on Monday the kingdom does not want to see a further escalation of tensions in the region at a "very dangerous moment", following Friday's killing by a US drone strike of Iran's most prominent military commander and Quds force head, Qasem Soleimani. "We are very keen that the situation in the region doesn't escalate any further. It's certainly a very dangerous moment and we have to be conscious of the risks and dangers not just to the region but to wider global security," Prince Faisal bin Farhan told a news briefing in Riyadh. "We hope that all actors take all the steps necessary to prevent any further escalation and any provocation," he said.

Saudi Arabia appeals for 'calm' after killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani

The repercussions of escalating tensions after the United States executed a top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani could have a bearing on India’s exports of basmati rice, which has made exporters of the commodity a worried lot. Basmati exports to Iran, which stood at 33 per cent or about $1.56 billion in 2018-19, had already weathered uncertainty following the US’s sanctions against Iran last year. Recent developments have only added to this. Till October, exports were $570 million, which accounted for 26% of exports. #BasmatiExports #SoleimaniKilling #US #Iran

Fineprint: US-Iran row may hit Basmati business

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

<p>Protestors clashed with police in&nbsp;Pakistan's southern port city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-advisory-to-its-carriers-to-avoid-pak-airspace-over-extremist-threat-271757">Karachi</a> on Sunday, as&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of demonstrators attempted to march toward the&nbsp;US&nbsp;consulate to&nbsp;protest&nbsp;the&nbsp;killing&nbsp;of&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;military&nbsp;commander&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-gather-to-pay-homage-to-slain-iran-general-soleimani-in-tehran-272439">Qasem Soleimani</a>.</p>

<p>Soleimani, a powerful&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-updates-on-iran-general-qassem-soleimanis-death-272457">Iranian&nbsp;military&nbsp;commander</a>&nbsp;and the architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, was killed in a&nbsp;US&nbsp;drone strike in Iraq on Friday.</p>

<p>In Karachi,&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of Shiite&nbsp;protestors, including women and children, carrying images of Iran's Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-be-a-war-crime-if-us-attacks-irans-cultural-sites-foreign-minister-zarif-272268">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, as well as of Soleimani, marched and chanted slogans of "Death to America," and "Death to Israel."</p>

<p>The&nbsp;protest&nbsp;was organized by a diverse group of Shiite Muslim organizations.</p>

<p>Pakistani security forces blocked the road leading to the&nbsp;US&nbsp;consulate in Karachi using shipping containers. However, some&nbsp;protestors attempted to push through the security cordon and climb&nbsp;over&nbsp;the containers, leading to scuffles with security forces.</p>

<p>Police were able to push&nbsp;protestors back and prevent them from getting beyond the barricades. Following a brief period of tension on Sunday evening, the demonstration was called off.</p>

<p>Iran, with a Shiite Muslim majority, enjoys a large support base in&nbsp;Pakistan, it's neighbor to the east. Though&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;is a Sunni Muslim-majority country, it has a fairly large Shiite population.</p>

<p>"Pakistan&nbsp;should not in any way allow its soil to be used against Iran," a senior cleric, Shahanshah Naqvi, said while addressing the&nbsp;protest&nbsp;rally.</p>

<p>A smaller rally was also held in the capital, Islamabad, where&nbsp;protestors burnt&nbsp;US&nbsp;and Israeli flags.</p>

<p>It dispersed without any violence.</p>

<p>Earlier, the spokesperson of&nbsp;Pakistan's Army told local media the country would not allow its soil to be used against anyone, referring to speculation about an imminent military standoff between the United States and Iran.</p>

<p>He quoted&nbsp;Pakistani Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-condemns-the-nankana-sahib-gurdwara-incident-272270">Imran Khan</a> and the Army chief as saying they wanted a peaceful resolution to all disputes.</p>


Protestors clashed with police in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Sunday, as thousands of demonstrators attempted to march toward the US consulate to protest the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.

Protestors clashed with police in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Sunday, as thousands of demonstrators attempted to march toward the US consulate to protest the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani, a powerful Iranian military commander and the architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq on Friday. In Karachi, thousands of Shiite protestors, including women and children, carrying images of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as of Soleimani, marched and chanted slogans of "Death to America," and "Death to Israel." The protest was organized by a diverse group of Shiite Muslim organizations. Pakistani security forces blocked the road leading to the US consulate in Karachi using shipping containers. However, some protestors attempted to push through the security cordon and climb over the containers, leading to scuffles with security forces. Police were able to push protestors back and prevent them from getting beyond the barricades. Following a brief period of tension on Sunday evening, the demonstration was called off. Iran, with a Shiite Muslim majority, enjoys a large support base in Pakistan, it's neighbor to the east. Though Pakistan is a Sunni Muslim-majority country, it has a fairly large Shiite population. "Pakistan should not in any way allow its soil to be used against Iran," a senior cleric, Shahanshah Naqvi, said while addressing the protest rally. A smaller rally was also held in the capital, Islamabad, where protestors burnt US and Israeli flags. It dispersed without any violence. Earlier, the spokesperson of Pakistan's Army told local media the country would not allow its soil to be used against anyone, referring to speculation about an imminent military standoff between the United States and Iran. He quoted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Army chief as saying they wanted a peaceful resolution to all disputes.

Pakistan: Thousands march toward US consulate to protest Soleimani's killing

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