Iraq's top Shiite cleric called Friday for parliamentary elections "as soon as possible" to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-american-clowns-who-lie-says-khamenei-in-friday-sermon-referring-to-trump-274902">ease the political crisis</a> gripping the country since anti-government protests erupted four months ago.&nbsp;

His appeal echoed that of the demonstrators in Baghdad and across the mainly-Shiite south who have demanded a snap vote and an independent figure to replace the current caretaker premier.

In a sermon delivered by his representative in the shrine city of Karbala, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani said it was "imperative to speed up holding early elections so that the people will have their say."&nbsp;

He said Iraq must "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-will-lead-to-the-strengthening-of-iranian-hardliners-272109">accelerate the formation of a new government</a>" and "take the necessary steps to hold free and fair elections as soon as possible".

Parliament has passed a new electoral law, but it failed to address most of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-tensions-washington-turns-down-iraqi-request-to-remove-troops-273509">protesters' specific demands</a> and President Barham Saleh has yet to sign it into effect.&nbsp;And while the pressure from Sistani and the street forced Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi to resign in December, he has stayed on in a caretaker capacity as political parties have yet to agree on a consensus replacement.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/irans-khamenei-delivers-friday-sermon-bid-to-quell-public-anger-274853">Iran's Khamenei delivers Friday sermon, bid to quell public anger</a>

According to Iraq's constitution, parliament's largest bloc must nominate a prime minister within 15 days of legislative elections.&nbsp;The candidate is then tasked by the president with forming a government within one month.

But Iraq is in a legal gray area, as the constitution makes no provisions for the premier's resignation and the 15-day period since Abdel Mahdi stepped down has long since expired.&nbsp;

This week, Saleh told the deeply divided parliament it had until Saturday to name a candidate, otherwise he would nominate someone unilaterally.

As the clocked ticked, political parties were in crisis talks to agree on a replacement, but the absence of two key powerbrokers has complicated the meetings.&nbsp;

Top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad on January 3 that rocked the region.

In the closing remarks of his sermon, Sistani also spoke out against the controversial Middle East peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The marjaiyah (the Shiite religious leadership) strongly condemns the unjust plan, which was recently revealed, to grant legitimacy to the occupation of more usurped Palestinian lands," he said.

&nbsp;

Iraq's top Shiite cleric called Friday for parliamentary elections "as soon as possible" to ease the political crisis gripping the country since anti-government protests erupted four months ago.

Iraq's top Shiite cleric called Friday for parliamentary elections "as soon as possible" to ease the political crisis gripping the country since anti-government protests erupted four months ago. His appeal echoed that of the demonstrators in Baghdad and across the mainly-Shiite south who have demanded a snap vote and an independent figure to replace the current caretaker premier. In a sermon delivered by his representative in the shrine city of Karbala, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani said it was "imperative to speed up holding early elections so that the people will have their say." He said Iraq must "accelerate the formation of a new government" and "take the necessary steps to hold free and fair elections as soon as possible". Parliament has passed a new electoral law, but it failed to address most of the protesters' specific demands and President Barham Saleh has yet to sign it into effect. And while the pressure from Sistani and the street forced Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi to resign in December, he has stayed on in a caretaker capacity as political parties have yet to agree on a consensus replacement. Also Read: Iran's Khamenei delivers Friday sermon, bid to quell public anger According to Iraq's constitution, parliament's largest bloc must nominate a prime minister within 15 days of legislative elections. The candidate is then tasked by the president with forming a government within one month. But Iraq is in a legal gray area, as the constitution makes no provisions for the premier's resignation and the 15-day period since Abdel Mahdi stepped down has long since expired. This week, Saleh told the deeply divided parliament it had until Saturday to name a candidate, otherwise he would nominate someone unilaterally. As the clocked ticked, political parties were in crisis talks to agree on a replacement, but the absence of two key powerbrokers has complicated the meetings. Top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad on January 3 that rocked the region. In the closing remarks of his sermon, Sistani also spoke out against the controversial Middle East peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. "The marjaiyah (the Shiite religious leadership) strongly condemns the unjust plan, which was recently revealed, to grant legitimacy to the occupation of more usurped Palestinian lands," he said.

Top Iraq cleric urges elections 'as soon as possible'

Fifty US military personnel have now been diagnosed with shocks and traumatic brain injuries following the Iranian missile attack on US forces in Iraq earlier this month. That's an increase of 16 from late last week when the Pentagon said 34 cases had been diagnosed. Watch report:

50 US troops diagnosed with brain injuries after Iranian missile strike

50 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-stops-weapons-delivery-to-iraq-amid-tensions-with-baghdad-reports-277061">US</a> service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-stops-weapons-delivery-to-iraq-amid-tensions-with-baghdad-reports-277061">Iraq</a> was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month.

The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike.&nbsp;

Symptoms of concussive injuries experienced by the troops include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and nausea.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-spy-plane-crash-in-afghanistan-277115">Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash</a>

31 of the 50 were treated in Iraq and returned to duty, including 15 of those diagnosed most recently, Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Campbell said.

18 of the total have been sent to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-woman-linked-to-islamic-state-returned-to-germany-264251">Germany</a> for further evaluation and treatment, and one was sent to Kuwait and has since returned to duty, he said.

"This is a snapshot in time and numbers can change," he added.

Contrary to the initial assessment, the injuries of the service members indicate that they are more severe.

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-files-lawsuits-against-overseas-call-centers-for-making-fake-robocalls-277174">Donald Trump</a> and other top officials had initially said that no US service member had been neither been killed nor had suffered any injury in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-sounds-alarm-for-democracy-after-candidates-barred-276882">Iran</a>'s attack on January 8.

At the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">World Economic Forum </a>last week, Trump had said the injuries were ''not very serious''.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">50th World Economic Forum at Davos: Key focus on climate change, economic slowdown, sustainable growth</a>

This was&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;by&nbsp;US war veterans.

''The group expects an apology from the president to our servicemen and women for his misguided remarks," William Schmitz, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said on Friday.

According to Pentagon data, about 408,000 service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury since 2000.

The attack had been carried out by Iran on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq as a retaliation to the US airstrike that killed its top revolutionary guard general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-respond-to-soleimani-killing-any-time-in-any-manner-foreign-minister-zarif-272013">Qassem Soleimani</a> on January 3.

The missile attacks capped a spiral of violence that had started in late December, and both sides have refrained from further military escalation. 
&nbsp;

50 US service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in Iraq was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month. The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike.

50 US service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in Iraq was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month. The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike. Symptoms of concussive injuries experienced by the troops include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and nausea. Also see: Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash 31 of the 50 were treated in Iraq and returned to duty, including 15 of those diagnosed most recently, Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Campbell said. 18 of the total have been sent to Germany for further evaluation and treatment, and one was sent to Kuwait and has since returned to duty, he said. "This is a snapshot in time and numbers can change," he added. Contrary to the initial assessment, the injuries of the service members indicate that they are more severe. US President Donald Trump and other top officials had initially said that no US service member had been neither been killed nor had suffered any injury in Iran's attack on January 8. At the World Economic Forum last week, Trump had said the injuries were ''not very serious''. Also read: 50th World Economic Forum at Davos: Key focus on climate change, economic slowdown, sustainable growth This was criticised by US war veterans. ''The group expects an apology from the president to our servicemen and women for his misguided remarks," William Schmitz, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said on Friday. According to Pentagon data, about 408,000 service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury since 2000. The attack had been carried out by Iran on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq as a retaliation to the US airstrike that killed its top revolutionary guard general Qassem Soleimani on January 3. The missile attacks capped a spiral of violence that had started in late December, and both sides have refrained from further military escalation.

50 US troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after Iran strike: Pentagon

Iraqi security forces fired bullets and tear gas on Saturday in raids on protest camps in Baghdad and southern cities, killing four people and wounding dozens more, police and medical sources said.

Iraqi security forces fired bullets and tear gas on Saturday in raids on protest camps in Baghdad and southern cities, killing four people and wounding dozens more, police and medical sources said. The new push to end the sit-in protests and restore order came hours after populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who has millions of supporters in Baghdad and the south, said he would end his involvement in anti-government unrest. Sadr's supporters, who had bolstered the protesters and sometimes helped shield them from attacks by security forces and unidentified gunmen, began withdrawing from sit-in camps early on Saturday after his announcement. Clashes erupted later in the day as authorities removed concrete barriers near Baghdad's Tahrir Square, where demonstrators have camped out for months, and across at least one main bridge over the Tigris River, as per reports. [ A demonstrator throws a tear gas canister at the Iraqi security forces (Courtesy: Reuters) ] In the southern city of Basra, demonstrators began returning to the main protest site following a raid by security forces the night before, burning tires and cutting off a main road, security sources said. At least 16 protesters were arrested. Also Read: Iraq Protests: Three Protesters Shot Dead In Clashes With Police In the capital, at least one person was killed and more than 30 hurt as police and protesters clashed near Tahrir Square. Another three died and 14 were wounded in the southern city of Nassiriya when security forces seized back control of a bridge occupied for days by demonstrators, security sources and medics said. Iraqi security forces have used tear gas and live ammunition against mostly peaceful protesters since the unrest broke out in Baghdad on October 1. More than 450 people have died in the violence, according to a tally from police and medics. Months of unrest The demonstrators are demanding the removal of what they see as a corrupt ruling elite and an end to foreign interference in domestic politics, especially by Iran, which has come to dominate state institutions since the toppling of Saddam Hussein in a 2003 U.S.-led invasion. Saturday's multiple raids appeared to be an attempt by authorities to fully clear the sit-ins and end months of unrest. The security operations were launched hours after Sadr said he would halt the involvement of his supporters. Sadr had backed the demands of protesters for the removal of corrupt politicians and the provision of services and jobs soon after the demonstrations began in October, but stopped short of calling all his followers to join in. Many of Sadr's millions of supporters, often hailing from Baghdad's slums, have however been involved in the protests. Sadr's followers, in a rally on Friday separate from the anti-government protests, called for the removal of U.S. troops from the country. The march dissipated after several hours. Sadr wrote on Twitter late on Friday he would "try not to interfere in the issue (of protesters), either negatively or positively, so that they can shepherd the fate of Iraq." He did not elaborate. In Basra, protesters urged him to reconsider. In a letter circulated on social media, they called for the support of Sadrists, without which they feared attacks by security forces.

Iraqi security forces raid protest camps after Sadr supporters withdraw

Iraqi security forces raided Baghdad's main protest site on Tahrir Square on Saturday, firing bullets and tear gas at anti-government protesters who camped there for months.

Iraq Protests: Three Protesters Shot Dead In Clashes With Police

Iraq Protests: Security Forces Fire Live Rounds At Protesters

Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-authorities-lift-baghdad-curfew-253920">Baghdad</a> on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge. &nbsp;

The march has rattled the separate, months-old protest movement that has gripped the capital and the Shiite-majority south since October, demanding a government overhaul, early elections, and more accountability.

In the early hours of Friday, thousands of men, women, and children of all ages massed under grey skies in the Jadiriyah district of east Baghdad.

"Get out, get out, occupier!" some shouted, while others chanted, "Yes to sovereignty!"&nbsp;

The American military presence has been a hot-button issue in Iraq since a US drone strike killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside Baghdad airport&nbsp;on January 3.

Two days later, parliament voted for all foreign troops -- including some 5,200 US personnel -- to leave the country.

The vote was non-binding and a senior US official said Thursday that Washington had yet to open talks with Baghdad on a troop pullout.

"There has not been any real engagement," said ambassador James Jeffrey, the US special envoy for Syria and the coalition against the Islamic State group.

<img alt=" US troops" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02ac7ba8-8785-4a90-a2de-4f4a58f9eeb7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_10.jpg" />

But he added that operations against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-jihadists-killed-in-russia-strikes-on-idlib-monitor-253924">jihadists</a> had been on hold since the drone strike, which triggered retaliatory Iranian missile strikes targeting US troops in Iraq.

"Coalition operations have been primarily on pause in Iraq as we focus on force protection and looking into the way forward with the Iraqi government," Jeffrey said.

Long opposed to the US troop presence, Sadr seized on the public anger over the drone strike to call "a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations".

Several pro-Iran factions from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, usually rivals of Sadr, have backed his call and pledged to join.

Preparations were in full swing as early as noon on Thursday, with additional checkpoints across Baghdad to secure the protest area and buses ferrying in people for the rally.&nbsp;

But separate anti-government protesters, who have braved violence that has left 470 people dead since October, fear their cause could be eclipsed by Sadr's powerplay.

"Sadr doesn't represent us," one teenager said defiantly late Thursday on a blocked-off thoroughfare in Baghdad.

To head off Friday's gathering and ramp up pressure on authorities to enact reforms, young demonstrators blocked streets in Baghdad and across the south this week.&nbsp;

When Sadr announced the rally last week, many feared he would hold it near Tahrir (Liberation) Square -- the main focus of the long-running protests.

But his spokesman Saleh al-Obeidy said late Wednesday that they had chosen Jadiriyah, near Baghdad University, as the gathering place.&nbsp;

That, in turn, has sparked worry that angry crowds could attack the presidential palace or the high-security Green Zone, home to the US embassy and other foreign missions.&nbsp;

The move would not be without precedent for Sadr, who urged followers to storm the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-rockets-crash-into-iraqs-green-zone-no-casualties-reported-273079">Green Zone</a> in 2016 in a challenge to the government over undelivered reforms.&nbsp;

<img alt=" US troops" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="45d5c27d-bd48-479a-b18a-c3f5482b792a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_12.jpg" />

Sadr battled US forces at the head of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-firebrand-cleric-sadr-makes-comeback-in-vote-initial-results-suggest-136602">Mehdi Army militia</a> after the US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.

He later branded himself a reformist and backed the recent anti-government protests when they erupted in October.

The firebrand cleric controls parliament's largest bloc and his followers hold top ministerial positions.&nbsp;

The 46-year-old is a notoriously fickle politician, known for switching alliances quickly.

"Some sides representing the October revolutionaries think Iran is solely responsible for Iraq's ruin and others represented by the Hashed or its supporters say America is the source of ruin," Obeidy said Wednesday.

"We believe that both are behind this ruin, and Sadr is trying to balance between the two."&nbsp;

Harith Hasan of the Carnegie Middle East Center said Sadr was trying to sustain his "multiple identities" by backing various protests.&nbsp;

"On the one hand, (he seeks to) position himself as the leader of a reform movement, as a populist, as anti-establishment," Hasan told AFP.

"On the other hand, he also wants to sustain his image as the leader of the resistance to the 'American occupation'," partly to win favour with Iran.

Sadr may also have domestic motivations, Hasan said.&nbsp;

"This protest will show Sadr is still the one able to mobilise large groups of people in the streets -- but it's also possible he wants other groups to respond by giving him more space to choose the prime minister."

Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in Baghdad on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge.

Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in Baghdad on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge. The march has rattled the separate, months-old protest movement that has gripped the capital and the Shiite-majority south since October, demanding a government overhaul, early elections, and more accountability. In the early hours of Friday, thousands of men, women, and children of all ages massed under grey skies in the Jadiriyah district of east Baghdad. "Get out, get out, occupier!" some shouted, while others chanted, "Yes to sovereignty!" The American military presence has been a hot-button issue in Iraq since a US drone strike killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside Baghdad airport on January 3. Two days later, parliament voted for all foreign troops -- including some 5,200 US personnel -- to leave the country. The vote was non-binding and a senior US official said Thursday that Washington had yet to open talks with Baghdad on a troop pullout. "There has not been any real engagement," said ambassador James Jeffrey, the US special envoy for Syria and the coalition against the Islamic State group. But he added that operations against the jihadists had been on hold since the drone strike, which triggered retaliatory Iranian missile strikes targeting US troops in Iraq. "Coalition operations have been primarily on pause in Iraq as we focus on force protection and looking into the way forward with the Iraqi government," Jeffrey said. Long opposed to the US troop presence, Sadr seized on the public anger over the drone strike to call "a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations". Several pro-Iran factions from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, usually rivals of Sadr, have backed his call and pledged to join. Preparations were in full swing as early as noon on Thursday, with additional checkpoints across Baghdad to secure the protest area and buses ferrying in people for the rally. But separate anti-government protesters, who have braved violence that has left 470 people dead since October, fear their cause could be eclipsed by Sadr's powerplay. "Sadr doesn't represent us," one teenager said defiantly late Thursday on a blocked-off thoroughfare in Baghdad. To head off Friday's gathering and ramp up pressure on authorities to enact reforms, young demonstrators blocked streets in Baghdad and across the south this week. When Sadr announced the rally last week, many feared he would hold it near Tahrir (Liberation) Square -- the main focus of the long-running protests. But his spokesman Saleh al-Obeidy said late Wednesday that they had chosen Jadiriyah, near Baghdad University, as the gathering place. That, in turn, has sparked worry that angry crowds could attack the presidential palace or the high-security Green Zone, home to the US embassy and other foreign missions. The move would not be without precedent for Sadr, who urged followers to storm the Green Zone in 2016 in a challenge to the government over undelivered reforms. Sadr battled US forces at the head of his Mehdi Army militia after the US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. He later branded himself a reformist and backed the recent anti-government protests when they erupted in October. The firebrand cleric controls parliament's largest bloc and his followers hold top ministerial positions. The 46-year-old is a notoriously fickle politician, known for switching alliances quickly. "Some sides representing the October revolutionaries think Iran is solely responsible for Iraq's ruin and others represented by the Hashed or its supporters say America is the source of ruin," Obeidy said Wednesday. "We believe that both are behind this ruin, and Sadr is trying to balance between the two." Harith Hasan of the Carnegie Middle East Center said Sadr was trying to sustain his "multiple identities" by backing various protests. "On the one hand, (he seeks to) position himself as the leader of a reform movement, as a populist, as anti-establishment," Hasan told AFP. "On the other hand, he also wants to sustain his image as the leader of the resistance to the 'American occupation'," partly to win favour with Iran. Sadr may also have domestic motivations, Hasan said. "This protest will show Sadr is still the one able to mobilise large groups of people in the streets -- but it's also possible he wants other groups to respond by giving him more space to choose the prime minister."

Thousands join anti-US rally in Baghdad, rattling rival protesters

The Islamic State group is weakened but a resurgence is possible if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-tears-into-environmental-doom-mongers -at-davos-forum-275841">United States</a> leaves Iraq, US Major General Alexus Grynkewich, the number two commander for the international anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq and Syria, said Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-tensions-washington-turns-down-iraqi-request-to-remove-troops-273509">US-Iran tensions escalate as Washington refuses Tehran's request to remove troops</a>

The group "certainly still remain a threat," he said. "They have the potential to resurge if we take the pressure off of them for too long."

The general said he did not see the threat of an immediate IS comeback.

"But the more time we take pressure off of them, the more of that threat will continue to grow," he said.

At a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../pentagon-restricts-access-to-guns-for-foreign- trainees-after-shooting-at-base-274969">Pentagon</a> press conference, he said the structural weakness of IS is shown by their failure to take advantage of demonstrations in Iraq calling for political reforms since October.

More than 460 protesters have been killed, and demonstrators are angry that few Iraqi security personnel have been charged for the violence.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraqs-parliament-votes-to-expel-all-5000-us-troops-272384/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The allies at the heart of the international coalition have over the last few months been evaluating the position of the jihadist movement whose self-declared "caliphate" once spanned parts of Iraq and Syria. It collapsed last March after years of battle with coalition-backed forces.

IS went underground and reverted to well-honed guerrilla tactics that continued to do damage.

The coalition wanted to determine whether the group is "executing some sort of strategic patience, waiting for an opportunity that they can exploit, or are they truly on the ropes a bit more and lacking in capability and capacity?" Grynkewich said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-what-remains-of-us-largest-base-where-us-troops-sheltered-during-iran-missile-attack-274459/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said the Iraqi protests helped the coalition to refine its assessment "that it's actually ISIS is a little bit more on the lack of capability and capacity side, than strategically patient," using another acronym for the jihadists.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran boiled over onto Iraqi soil this month. The US killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad and Tehran retaliated against an Iraqi base hosting American soldiers, some of whom were hurt.

Furious at the US hit, Iraq's parliament voted January 5 to oust all foreign troops, including about 5,200 American soldiers deployed alongside local forces.

Coalition troops have ostensibly reduced their operations in Iraq since then, even if cooperation with the Iraqi army continues discreetly, according to several US military sources.

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-tears-into-environmental-doom-mongers -at-davos-forum-275841">Donald Trump</a> and his Iraqi counterpart Barham Saleh agreed Wednesday in Davos, Switzerland on the need for a continued US military role in the country, the White House said.

"That's really kind of a government-to-government discussion on when we get back to full restoration of that partnership. They certainly have an interest in it, as do we," Grynkewich said.

The Islamic State group is weakened but a resurgence is possible if the United States leaves Iraq, US Major General Alexus Grynkewich, the number two commander for the international anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq and Syria, said Wednesday.

The Islamic State group is weakened but a resurgence is possible if the United States leaves Iraq, US Major General Alexus Grynkewich, the number two commander for the international anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq and Syria, said Wednesday. Also read: US-Iran tensions escalate as Washington refuses Tehran's request to remove troops The group "certainly still remain a threat," he said. "They have the potential to resurge if we take the pressure off of them for too long." The general said he did not see the threat of an immediate IS comeback. "But the more time we take pressure off of them, the more of that threat will continue to grow," he said. At a Pentagon press conference, he said the structural weakness of IS is shown by their failure to take advantage of demonstrations in Iraq calling for political reforms since October. More than 460 protesters have been killed, and demonstrators are angry that few Iraqi security personnel have been charged for the violence. The allies at the heart of the international coalition have over the last few months been evaluating the position of the jihadist movement whose self-declared "caliphate" once spanned parts of Iraq and Syria. It collapsed last March after years of battle with coalition-backed forces. IS went underground and reverted to well-honed guerrilla tactics that continued to do damage. The coalition wanted to determine whether the group is "executing some sort of strategic patience, waiting for an opportunity that they can exploit, or are they truly on the ropes a bit more and lacking in capability and capacity?" Grynkewich said. He said the Iraqi protests helped the coalition to refine its assessment "that it's actually ISIS is a little bit more on the lack of capability and capacity side, than strategically patient," using another acronym for the jihadists. Tensions between Washington and Tehran boiled over onto Iraqi soil this month. The US killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad and Tehran retaliated against an Iraqi base hosting American soldiers, some of whom were hurt. Furious at the US hit, Iraq's parliament voted January 5 to oust all foreign troops, including about 5,200 American soldiers deployed alongside local forces. Coalition troops have ostensibly reduced their operations in Iraq since then, even if cooperation with the Iraqi army continues discreetly, according to several US military sources. US President Donald Trump and his Iraqi counterpart Barham Saleh agreed Wednesday in Davos, Switzerland on the need for a continued US military role in the country, the White House said. "That's really kind of a government-to-government discussion on when we get back to full restoration of that partnership. They certainly have an interest in it, as do we," Grynkewich said.

Islamic State resurgence possible if America leaves Iraq: US General

An Iraqi anti-government activist was gunned down in the southern port city of Basra, a police officer stated on Wednesday, amid resurgent rallies demanding authorities implement <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-angry-youth-step-up-protest-at-slow-pace-of-reforms-275311">long-awaited reforms</a>.

"Civil society activist Janat Madhi, 49, was shot on Tuesday night around 11:00 pm (2000 GMT) by armed men in an SUV," a police officer said, adding that five people including at least one other local activist were wounded in the shooting.

A source at the city's forensics lab confirmed that Madhi suffered gunshot wounds. A reporter said she was part of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/4-people-including-two-policemen-killed-as-protests-erupt-in-iraq-275553">activist group</a> giving medical care to demonstrators. The group departed the main protest camp in Basra late Tuesday, the reporter said, after which they were fired upon by unknown gunmen.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-kill-one-protester-wound-25-sources-275090">Iraqi security forces kill one protester, wound 25: Report</a>

<img alt=" A mourner cries during the funeral of Iraqi paramedic Janat Madhi Hussein" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56eaf03c-feeb-45cf-9a94-e95f8a46b9ee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2864%29_1.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;A mourner cries during the funeral of&nbsp;Janat Madhi Hussein (Courtesy: AFP) ]

The killing is the latest in a new wave of violence against Iraq's anti-regime protests, which had waned in recent weeks amid growing tensions between Baghdad's two main allies, Tehran and Washington. Demonstrators this week began ramping up pressure on authorities to implement their long-standing demands: early elections under a new voting law, an independent premier and accountability for protester deaths and corruption.

More than 460 protesters have died since the rallies first erupted in early October, fuelled by anger over graft and lack of jobs that grew into demands for systemic reform. On Monday, three protesters were killed in clashes with security forces in Baghdad and another demonstrator died on Tuesday after a tear gas canister punctured his skull.

Rights groups accuse security forces of improperly using military-grade gas canisters - which are up to 10 times heavier than those designed for use against civilians - by firing them directly at crowds rather than into the air.

Demonstrators are outraged that only a handful of security force members have been charged with excessive violence and none of the perpetrators of hit-and-run attacks has been pursued, whereas protesters have been swiftly arrested for shutting down streets with burning tyres. Blocking roads has become prevalent this week, with protesters cutting streets and national highways around Baghdad and the Shiite-majority south on Wednesday. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

An Iraqi anti-government activist was gunned down in the southern port city of Basra, a police officer stated on Wednesday, amid resurgent rallies demanding authorities implement long-awaited reforms.

An Iraqi anti-government activist was gunned down in the southern port city of Basra, a police officer stated on Wednesday, amid resurgent rallies demanding authorities implement long-awaited reforms. "Civil society activist Janat Madhi, 49, was shot on Tuesday night around 11:00 pm (2000 GMT) by armed men in an SUV," a police officer said, adding that five people including at least one other local activist were wounded in the shooting. A source at the city's forensics lab confirmed that Madhi suffered gunshot wounds. A reporter said she was part of an activist group giving medical care to demonstrators. The group departed the main protest camp in Basra late Tuesday, the reporter said, after which they were fired upon by unknown gunmen. Also Read: Iraqi security forces kill one protester, wound 25: Report [ A mourner cries during the funeral of Janat Madhi Hussein (Courtesy: AFP) ] The killing is the latest in a new wave of violence against Iraq's anti-regime protests, which had waned in recent weeks amid growing tensions between Baghdad's two main allies, Tehran and Washington. Demonstrators this week began ramping up pressure on authorities to implement their long-standing demands: early elections under a new voting law, an independent premier and accountability for protester deaths and corruption. More than 460 protesters have died since the rallies first erupted in early October, fuelled by anger over graft and lack of jobs that grew into demands for systemic reform. On Monday, three protesters were killed in clashes with security forces in Baghdad and another demonstrator died on Tuesday after a tear gas canister punctured his skull. Rights groups accuse security forces of improperly using military-grade gas canisters - which are up to 10 times heavier than those designed for use against civilians - by firing them directly at crowds rather than into the air. Demonstrators are outraged that only a handful of security force members have been charged with excessive violence and none of the perpetrators of hit-and-run attacks has been pursued, whereas protesters have been swiftly arrested for shutting down streets with burning tyres. Blocking roads has become prevalent this week, with protesters cutting streets and national highways around Baghdad and the Shiite-majority south on Wednesday.

Iraq activist shot as protesters cut roads again

An Iraqi protester was killed in Baghdad on Tuesday, medics said, as angry young people reignited a three-month-old protest movement by shutting roads to pressure authorities to implement long-awaited reforms.&nbsp;

The demonstrator died after being hit by a tear gas canister on one of the main highways in east Baghdad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-angry-youth-step-up-protest-at-slow-pace-of-reforms-275311">Protesters </a>had been trying to shut down the road with burning tyres but clashed with security forces, who fired live rounds and tear gas to break up the crowd.

Eight protesters were also treated for tear gas inhalation, medics said. On Monday, three demonstrators were killed in the capital.&nbsp;

Security forces have relied heavily on tear gas to confine protesters to Baghdad's Tahrir Square, but human rights groups have accused them of improperly firing the canisters directly into crowds&nbsp;at point-blank range, piercing protesters' skulls and chests.

Anti-government rallies have rocked Iraq since October but had thinned out in recent weeks amid spiralling tensions between Baghdad's key allies Tehran and Washington.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-kill-one-protester-wound-25-sources-275090">Iraqi security forces kill one protester, wound 25: Report</a>

To regain momentum, protesters had given the government until Monday to address their demands: early elections under a new voting law, an independent prime minister and for corrupt officials to be held accountable.

Since the deadline expired, clusters of young protesters have taken to the streets of Baghdad and across the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/founding-member-al-salbi-confirmed-as-islamic-states-new-leader-sources-275656">Shiite-majority</a> south every morning.

On Tuesday, they set up impromptu roadblocks in the southern cities of Amarah, Basra, Diwaniyah and Kut. In Nasiriyah, central districts were packed with protesters, most of them students carrying Iraqi flags, an AFP correspondent reported.&nbsp;

"With our souls, with our blood, we sacrifice ourselves for you Iraq!," they chanted, as fellow protesters blocked the main highways north and south.

That left hundreds of goods lorries stuck on the road, including some oil tankers.&nbsp;Tahseen Mohannad, a demonstrator in Nasiriyah, said young people would not be deterred.&nbsp;

"We came out today to support the protests that won't stop despite the procrastination of the state and the political parties when it comes to our just demands," he said.

"We spilt blood over this and we will do so again, the blood of young people, in order to get rid of the unjust ruling class."

Iraq's political parties are locked in negotiations over the choice of a new premier to replace Adel Abdel Mahdi, who stepped down in December but has stayed on in a caretaker role. The stalemate comes amid a continuing wave of rocket attacks on areas where US diplomats and troops are based.

Late Monday, three rockets hit near the US embassy in Iraq's high-security Green Zone, security sources told AFP. As usual, there was no claim of responsibility but this time Abdel Mahdi has ordered an investigation into the incident.

An Iraqi protester was killed in Baghdad on Tuesday, medics said, as angry young people reignited a three-month-old protest movement by shutting roads to pressure authorities to implement long-awaited reforms.

An Iraqi protester was killed in Baghdad on Tuesday, medics said, as angry young people reignited a three-month-old protest movement by shutting roads to pressure authorities to implement long-awaited reforms. The demonstrator died after being hit by a tear gas canister on one of the main highways in east Baghdad. Protesters had been trying to shut down the road with burning tyres but clashed with security forces, who fired live rounds and tear gas to break up the crowd. Eight protesters were also treated for tear gas inhalation, medics said. On Monday, three demonstrators were killed in the capital. Security forces have relied heavily on tear gas to confine protesters to Baghdad's Tahrir Square, but human rights groups have accused them of improperly firing the canisters directly into crowds at point-blank range, piercing protesters' skulls and chests. Anti-government rallies have rocked Iraq since October but had thinned out in recent weeks amid spiralling tensions between Baghdad's key allies Tehran and Washington. Also Read: Iraqi security forces kill one protester, wound 25: Report To regain momentum, protesters had given the government until Monday to address their demands: early elections under a new voting law, an independent prime minister and for corrupt officials to be held accountable. Since the deadline expired, clusters of young protesters have taken to the streets of Baghdad and across the Shiite-majority south every morning. On Tuesday, they set up impromptu roadblocks in the southern cities of Amarah, Basra, Diwaniyah and Kut. In Nasiriyah, central districts were packed with protesters, most of them students carrying Iraqi flags, an AFP correspondent reported. "With our souls, with our blood, we sacrifice ourselves for you Iraq!," they chanted, as fellow protesters blocked the main highways north and south. That left hundreds of goods lorries stuck on the road, including some oil tankers. Tahseen Mohannad, a demonstrator in Nasiriyah, said young people would not be deterred. "We came out today to support the protests that won't stop despite the procrastination of the state and the political parties when it comes to our just demands," he said. "We spilt blood over this and we will do so again, the blood of young people, in order to get rid of the unjust ruling class." Iraq's political parties are locked in negotiations over the choice of a new premier to replace Adel Abdel Mahdi, who stepped down in December but has stayed on in a caretaker role. The stalemate comes amid a continuing wave of rocket attacks on areas where US diplomats and troops are based. Late Monday, three rockets hit near the US embassy in Iraq's high-security Green Zone, security sources told AFP. As usual, there was no claim of responsibility but this time Abdel Mahdi has ordered an investigation into the incident.

Iraq protester killed as youth keep up pressure on government

Iraqi youth angry at their government's glacial pace of reform ramped up their protests on Sunday, sealing streets with burning tyres and threatening further escalation unless their demands are met.

The rallies demanding an overhaul of the ruling system have rocked Shiite-majority parts of Iraq since October but had thinned out in recent weeks amid rising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-powers-to-discuss-ways-out-libya-crisis-with-rival-camps-275217">Iran-US tensions</a>.

Protesters had feared Iraq would be caught in the middle of the geopolitical storm and last Monday gave the government one week to make progress on reform pledges.

A day before the deadline expires, hundreds of angry young people descended on the main protest camp in Baghdad's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-iraqis-rally-against-government-iran-and-us-273470">Tahrir Square</a> as well as nearby Tayaran Square.

They burned tyres to block highways and bridges, turning back cars and causing traffic jams across the city.&nbsp;

At least 10 people including police officers were wounded when security forces tried to clear the sit-ins with tear gas and protesters responded by throwing rocks, medical and security sources told reporters.&nbsp;

"This is only the first escalation," one protester with a scarf wrapped around his face as smoke from the tyres turned the sky behind him a charcoal grey.

"We want to send a message to the government: Stop procrastinating! The people know what you're doing," he said, adding ominously: "Tomorrow the deadline ends, and then things could get totally of control."&nbsp;

Protesters are demanding early elections based on a reformed voting law, a new prime minister to replace current caretaker premier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-tensions-washington-turns-down-iraqi-request-to-remove-troops-273509">Adel Abdel Mahdi</a> and that officials deemed corrupt be held to account.

Abdel Mahdi resigned nearly two months ago, but political parties have thus far failed to agree on a successor and he has continued to run the government as a caretaker.

Demonstrators have publicly rejected the names circulating as possible replacements and are furious that other sweeping reform measures have not been implemented.

"We began to escalate today because the government did not respond to our demands, notably forming an independent government that could save Iraq," said Haydar Kadhim, a demonstrator in the southern protest hotspot of Nasiriyah.&nbsp;

"Last Monday, we gave them a deadline of seven days. That deadline ends tonight," Kadhim told reporters.

A fellow protester, 20-year-old university student Mohammad Kareem, said more escalation could come.&nbsp;

"We gave the government a timeframe to implement our demands, but it looks like it doesn't care one bit," he said.

"We will keep up our movement and keep escalating to confront this government, which continues to procrastinate," Kareem told reporters.

Rallies also swelled in the cities of Kut, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paralysis-in-iraq-as-protesters-harden-position-270033">Diwaniyah</a>, and Amara, where most government offices, schools, and universities have been shuttered for months.

In the holy city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-mourners-pay-respect-as-qasem-soleimanis-body-reaches-iran-272228">Najaf</a>, youth wrapped in checkered black-and-white scarves and carrying Iraqi flags lit tyres and began a sit-in on a main road leading to the capital.

Further the south in the oil-rich port city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-kill-one-protester-wound-25-sources-275090">Basra</a>, students gathered in an ongoing strike in support of the rallies elsewhere.

The protests are the largest and bloodiest grassroots movement in Iraq in decades, with nearly 460 people dead and over 25,000 wounded since they erupted on October 1.

While the violence at the protests themselves has dropped slightly, activists say they face an escalating campaign of intimidation, kidnapping and assassination attempts.

Young protesters are also apprehensive about a rival protest on January 24 organized by firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr in order to pressure US forces to leave.

Last week, Sadr urged Iraqis to hold "a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations".

Iraqi political figures have ramped up their calls for foreign forces&nbsp;including some 5,200 US troops to leave the country following a US drone strike that killed Iran's revered Quds Force chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-iran-shot-down-ukranian-passenger-plane-after-us-jets-were-seen-at-its-borders-275045">Qasem Soleimani</a> and top Iraqi military official Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.&nbsp;

Both were key brokers in Iraq's political scene, which has been left reeling by their absence.&nbsp;

Iraq's parliament voted on January 5 in favor of ousting foreign forces but the legal procedure for doing so remains murky.

Bases, where US forces are stationed, have been under a steady stream of rocket attacks for several months that have killed one American contractor and one Iraqi soldier.

Iraqi youth angry at their government's glacial pace of reform ramped up their protests on Sunday, sealing streets with burning tyres and threatening further escalation unless their demands are met.

Iraqi youth angry at their government's glacial pace of reform ramped up their protests on Sunday, sealing streets with burning tyres and threatening further escalation unless their demands are met. The rallies demanding an overhaul of the ruling system have rocked Shiite-majority parts of Iraq since October but had thinned out in recent weeks amid rising Iran-US tensions. Protesters had feared Iraq would be caught in the middle of the geopolitical storm and last Monday gave the government one week to make progress on reform pledges. A day before the deadline expires, hundreds of angry young people descended on the main protest camp in Baghdad's Tahrir Square as well as nearby Tayaran Square. They burned tyres to block highways and bridges, turning back cars and causing traffic jams across the city. At least 10 people including police officers were wounded when security forces tried to clear the sit-ins with tear gas and protesters responded by throwing rocks, medical and security sources told reporters. "This is only the first escalation," one protester with a scarf wrapped around his face as smoke from the tyres turned the sky behind him a charcoal grey. "We want to send a message to the government: Stop procrastinating! The people know what you're doing," he said, adding ominously: "Tomorrow the deadline ends, and then things could get totally of control." Protesters are demanding early elections based on a reformed voting law, a new prime minister to replace current caretaker premier Adel Abdel Mahdi and that officials deemed corrupt be held to account. Abdel Mahdi resigned nearly two months ago, but political parties have thus far failed to agree on a successor and he has continued to run the government as a caretaker. Demonstrators have publicly rejected the names circulating as possible replacements and are furious that other sweeping reform measures have not been implemented. "We began to escalate today because the government did not respond to our demands, notably forming an independent government that could save Iraq," said Haydar Kadhim, a demonstrator in the southern protest hotspot of Nasiriyah. "Last Monday, we gave them a deadline of seven days. That deadline ends tonight," Kadhim told reporters. A fellow protester, 20-year-old university student Mohammad Kareem, said more escalation could come. "We gave the government a timeframe to implement our demands, but it looks like it doesn't care one bit," he said. "We will keep up our movement and keep escalating to confront this government, which continues to procrastinate," Kareem told reporters. Rallies also swelled in the cities of Kut, Diwaniyah, and Amara, where most government offices, schools, and universities have been shuttered for months. In the holy city of Najaf, youth wrapped in checkered black-and-white scarves and carrying Iraqi flags lit tyres and began a sit-in on a main road leading to the capital. Further the south in the oil-rich port city of Basra, students gathered in an ongoing strike in support of the rallies elsewhere. The protests are the largest and bloodiest grassroots movement in Iraq in decades, with nearly 460 people dead and over 25,000 wounded since they erupted on October 1. While the violence at the protests themselves has dropped slightly, activists say they face an escalating campaign of intimidation, kidnapping and assassination attempts. Young protesters are also apprehensive about a rival protest on January 24 organized by firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr in order to pressure US forces to leave. Last week, Sadr urged Iraqis to hold "a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations". Iraqi political figures have ramped up their calls for foreign forces including some 5,200 US troops to leave the country following a US drone strike that killed Iran's revered Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani and top Iraqi military official Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Both were key brokers in Iraq's political scene, which has been left reeling by their absence. Iraq's parliament voted on January 5 in favor of ousting foreign forces but the legal procedure for doing so remains murky. Bases, where US forces are stationed, have been under a steady stream of rocket attacks for several months that have killed one American contractor and one Iraqi soldier.

Iraq: Angry youth step up protest at 'slow pace of reforms'

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump gave a minute-to-minute account of the US&nbsp;drone strikes that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in remarks to a Republican fund-raising dinner on Friday night, according to audio obtained by CNN.

With his typical dramatic flourish, Trump recounted the scene as he monitored the strikes from the White House Situation Room when Soleimani was killed.

The president spoke in a ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, at a Republican event that raised $10 million for Trump's 2020 re-election campaign and for the Republican National Committee.

Reporters were not allowed in for the event. CNN said it obtained an audio recording of Trump's remarks. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/future-attack-by-terrorist-soleimani-was-imminent-trump-274079">Future attack by terrorist Soleimani was 'imminent' - Trump</a>

The Jan. 3 killing of Soleimani at Baghdad airport prompted Iran to retaliate with missile strikes against US&nbsp;forces in Iraq days later and almost triggered a broad war between the two countries.

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"They're together sir," Trump said military officials told him. "Sir, they have two minutes and 11 seconds. No emotion. 'Two minutes and 11 seconds to live, sir. They're in the car, they're in an armored vehicle. Sir, they have approximately one minute to live, sir. Thirty seconds. Ten, 9, 8 ...' "

"Then all of a sudden, boom," he said. "'They're gone, sir. Cutting off.'"

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Soleimani was 'probably' planning to attack four US embassies - Donald Trump</a>

"I said, where is this guy?" Trump continued. "That was the last I heard from him."

It was the most detailed account that Trump has given of the drone strike, which has drawn criticism from some US&nbsp;lawmakers because neither the president nor his advisers have provided public information to back up their statements that Soleimani presented an "imminent" threat to Americans in the region.

CNN said that in the audio, Trump did not repeat that Soleimani was an imminent threat. Trump said Soleimani was "saying bad things about our country" before the strike, which led to his decision to authorize his killing.

"How much of this shit do we have to listen to?" Trump asked in the audio. "How much are we going to listen to?"

US President Donald Trump gave a minute-to-minute account of the US drone strikes that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in remarks to a Republican fund-raising dinner on Friday night, according to audio obtained by CNN.

US President Donald Trump gave a minute-to-minute account of the US drone strikes that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in remarks to a Republican fund-raising dinner on Friday night, according to audio obtained by CNN. With his typical dramatic flourish, Trump recounted the scene as he monitored the strikes from the White House Situation Room when Soleimani was killed. The president spoke in a ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, at a Republican event that raised $10 million for Trump's 2020 re-election campaign and for the Republican National Committee. Reporters were not allowed in for the event. CNN said it obtained an audio recording of Trump's remarks. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read: Future attack by terrorist Soleimani was 'imminent' - Trump The Jan. 3 killing of Soleimani at Baghdad airport prompted Iran to retaliate with missile strikes against US forces in Iraq days later and almost triggered a broad war between the two countries. × "They're together sir," Trump said military officials told him. "Sir, they have two minutes and 11 seconds. No emotion. 'Two minutes and 11 seconds to live, sir. They're in the car, they're in an armored vehicle. Sir, they have approximately one minute to live, sir. Thirty seconds. Ten, 9, 8 ...' " "Then all of a sudden, boom," he said. "'They're gone, sir. Cutting off.'" Also read: Soleimani was 'probably' planning to attack four US embassies - Donald Trump "I said, where is this guy?" Trump continued. "That was the last I heard from him." It was the most detailed account that Trump has given of the drone strike, which has drawn criticism from some US lawmakers because neither the president nor his advisers have provided public information to back up their statements that Soleimani presented an "imminent" threat to Americans in the region. CNN said that in the audio, Trump did not repeat that Soleimani was an imminent threat. Trump said Soleimani was "saying bad things about our country" before the strike, which led to his decision to authorize his killing. "How much of this shit do we have to listen to?" Trump asked in the audio. "How much are we going to listen to?"

Trump gave dramatic account of Soleimani's last minutes before death: Report

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.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 17, 2020

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 15, 2020

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. #WION #WIONspeednews #Australia #China #Iran #US

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 14, 2020

Not so long ago, Iranians mourned the killing of Gen. Soleimani. But now, the people of Iran have turned from mourning to protesting. Tehran has lost all the sympathy after admitting that it shot down Ukrainian passenger plane due to a 'human error'. WION's Palki Sharma summarises. #Gravitas #Iran #US #SoleimaniKilling

Gravitas: Iran's 'unforgivable mistake' triggers protests

Iran is on the edge. The protests have overshadowed Tehran's battle with the Trump administration. Is this the worst uprising that Iran has witnessed since the 1979 revolution? This report explores #Gravitas #Iran

Gravitas: Biggest uprising since 1979 revolution in Iran?

Over the last 10 days, Iran's second most powerful person Soleimani was killed, missiles were fired & Iran shot down a passenger plane due to a 'human error'. De-escalation is a necessity even as the world grieves for the dead. Details in this report. #Gravitas #WestAsia

Gravitas: Crisis in West Asia, Canada grieves for the victims

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. #WION

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 13, 2020

Iran's missile attacks on US targets did not aim to kill the American soldiers, a senior Iranian commander said after United States President Donald Trump said that no US troops were hurt in Wednesday's strike on its airbase in Iraq.

<ul>
	<li>The US House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's ability to wage war against Iran. The five-page resolution emphasized that if President Trump wants to take the US to war, he would need authorization from Congress. The resolution&nbsp;<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">Read more&nbsp;</a></li>
	<li>US President Donald Trump while addressing a re-election campaign rally in &nbsp;Toledo, Ohio said he was ready to launch retaliatory strikes after Iran hit US bases in Iraq. Trump in the rally said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-were-ready-to-retaliate-after-iran-strikes-solemanis-killing-was-american-justice-trump-at-campaign-rally-in-ohio-273289">Read more</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The tension between the US and Iran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran's top military commander&nbsp;General Qasem Soleimani in a strike in Baghdad International Airport. The crisis&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-oil-workers-leave-iraq-air-strike-on-iranian-leader-qassem-soleimani-272049">Read more</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Trump addressed the nation from White House and said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanting to de-escalate tensions. Iran strikes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-not-looking-for-war-air-strike-in-iraq-part-of-our-response-says-irans-envoy-to-india-273023">Read more</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li>&nbsp;Iran had hundreds of missiles ready and when Tehran launched missiles on Wednesday it had used "cyberattacks to disable (US) plane and drone navigation systems," the US President said. Iran's strikes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-condemns-us-air-strikes-as-unacceptable-and-dangerous-271127">Read More</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Soleimani was one of Iran's most popular public figures. He was laid to rest in his hometown Kerman early on Wednesday morning after massive funeral processions in several major cities across&nbsp;Iran. During the funeral&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">Read more</a>&nbsp;</li>
	 
	&nbsp;
</ul>

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Iran's missile attacks on US targets did not aim to kill the American soldiers, a senior Iranian commander said after United States President Donald Trump said that no US troops were hurt in Wednesday's strike on its airbase in Iraq.

Iran's missile attacks on US targets did not aim to kill the American soldiers, a senior Iranian commander said after United States President Donald Trump said that no US troops were hurt in Wednesday's strike on its airbase in Iraq. The US House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's ability to wage war against Iran. The five-page resolution emphasized that if President Trump wants to take the US to war, he would need authorization from Congress. The resolution Read more US President Donald Trump while addressing a re-election campaign rally in Toledo, Ohio said he was ready to launch retaliatory strikes after Iran hit US bases in Iraq. Trump in the rally said Read more The tension between the US and Iran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran's top military commander General Qasem Soleimani in a strike in Baghdad International Airport. The crisis Read more Trump addressed the nation from White House and said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanting to de-escalate tensions. Iran strikes Read more Iran had hundreds of missiles ready and when Tehran launched missiles on Wednesday it had used "cyberattacks to disable (US) plane and drone navigation systems," the US President said. Iran's strikes Read More Soleimani was one of Iran's most popular public figures. He was laid to rest in his hometown Kerman early on Wednesday morning after massive funeral processions in several major cities across Iran. During the funeral Read more Watch video:

Iran missile attack news: Solemani's killing was American justice, says Trump at campaign rally in Ohio

When Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US airstrike in Baghdad, the immediate question which arose was what was the top Iranian commander doing in Iraq?

The answer is business as usual.

Soleimani who was the chief of the ‘Quds Force’ or the foreign unit of the elite Iranian paramilitary ‘Revolutionary Guards’ has been a frequent visitor to Iraq. He was at the forefront of the Iranian mission to hegemonise Iraq.

The two neighbours fought a long and bloody war in the 1980s but much has changed since then. Iran began extending its influence on Iraq after the latter was invaded by the US&nbsp;in 2003.

But it was in 2005 when Iran got a breakthrough. Parliamentary elections were held in Iraq under US&nbsp;supervision. What followed was a power vacuum left by the Americans who were unacquainted with the sectarian divisions in Iraq.

This is where the Iranians triumphed. Iraq like Iran was an exception in the Middle East, in the sense that both were Shia-majority nations. Saddam Hussein’s Sunni-dominated government which attacked Iran had been toppled.

In his testimony to the US&nbsp;Congress, Kenneth Pollack, the CIA analyst on the Middle East had said, “By late 2006, Iran was putting money on every number on the roulette wheel, providing weapons, cash, information, training and other forms of support to a wide variety of groups—Shia, Sunni, Kurdish and others."

It's speculated that Iran’s aim has been to penetrate not only into Iraqi politics but its society, economy and military.

The mission to dominate Iraq involved funding Shiite militias, forging alliances with politicians and intimidation.

In fact, Abu Muhandis- the deputy commander of the ‘Popular Mobilisation Forces’- an umbrella group of Iraqi Shiite militias was part of Soleimani's convoy in Baghdad. He was also killed in the US strike.

Iran’s dominance over Iraqi politics has, at times, been so significant that it even managed to influence the appointment of the country’s Prime Minister. This was evident when Soleimani convinced Kurdish and Shiite leaders to back Nouri al-Maliki as the PM in 2006.

Iraq is perhaps the most strategically located country in the Middle East. It shares a border with most major nations in the region- Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Jordan and Kuwait.

Dominance over Iraq can open the road to hegemony over Middle East. But that is not the foremost reason why Iran intends to make Iraq a client state.

The shadow of the Iran-Iraq war of whose Soleimani was a veteran still looms large. Iran plans to ensure that Iraq never becomes strong enough to pose a threat again.

Post-2014, Shiite militias led by Soleimani aided an ailing Iraqi army in the fight against the Islamic State. The Iranian influence kept growing, so much so that in 2015, Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal Al-Saud remarked, “Iran is taking over Iraq.”

But challenges to Iranian hegemony also increased over a period of time. During the 2019 anti-government protests, many Iraqis demanded an end to Iran’s dominance. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ahead of his death, Soleimani was tasked with quelling this very anger against Iran along with business as usual. &nbsp; 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

When Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US airstrike in Baghdad, the immediate question which arose was what was the top Iranian commander doing in Iraq? The answer is business as usual.

When Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US airstrike in Baghdad, the immediate question which arose was what was the top Iranian commander doing in Iraq? The answer is business as usual. Soleimani who was the chief of the ‘Quds Force’ or the foreign unit of the elite Iranian paramilitary ‘Revolutionary Guards’ has been a frequent visitor to Iraq. He was at the forefront of the Iranian mission to hegemonise Iraq. The two neighbours fought a long and bloody war in the 1980s but much has changed since then. Iran began extending its influence on Iraq after the latter was invaded by the US in 2003. But it was in 2005 when Iran got a breakthrough. Parliamentary elections were held in Iraq under US supervision. What followed was a power vacuum left by the Americans who were unacquainted with the sectarian divisions in Iraq. This is where the Iranians triumphed. Iraq like Iran was an exception in the Middle East, in the sense that both were Shia-majority nations. Saddam Hussein’s Sunni-dominated government which attacked Iran had been toppled. In his testimony to the US Congress, Kenneth Pollack, the CIA analyst on the Middle East had said, “By late 2006, Iran was putting money on every number on the roulette wheel, providing weapons, cash, information, training and other forms of support to a wide variety of groups—Shia, Sunni, Kurdish and others." It's speculated that Iran’s aim has been to penetrate not only into Iraqi politics but its society, economy and military. The mission to dominate Iraq involved funding Shiite militias, forging alliances with politicians and intimidation. In fact, Abu Muhandis- the deputy commander of the ‘Popular Mobilisation Forces’- an umbrella group of Iraqi Shiite militias was part of Soleimani's convoy in Baghdad. He was also killed in the US strike. Iran’s dominance over Iraqi politics has, at times, been so significant that it even managed to influence the appointment of the country’s Prime Minister. This was evident when Soleimani convinced Kurdish and Shiite leaders to back Nouri al-Maliki as the PM in 2006. Iraq is perhaps the most strategically located country in the Middle East. It shares a border with most major nations in the region- Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Jordan and Kuwait. Dominance over Iraq can open the road to hegemony over Middle East. But that is not the foremost reason why Iran intends to make Iraq a client state. The shadow of the Iran-Iraq war of whose Soleimani was a veteran still looms large. Iran plans to ensure that Iraq never becomes strong enough to pose a threat again. Post-2014, Shiite militias led by Soleimani aided an ailing Iraqi army in the fight against the Islamic State. The Iranian influence kept growing, so much so that in 2015, Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal Al-Saud remarked, “Iran is taking over Iraq.” But challenges to Iranian hegemony also increased over a period of time. During the 2019 anti-government protests, many Iraqis demanded an end to Iran’s dominance. Ahead of his death, Soleimani was tasked with quelling this very anger against Iran along with business as usual. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Qasem Soleimani and Iran’s plan to dominate Iraq

Amid row over the crash of Ukrainian plane in Tehran, Iran's civil aviation chief Ali Abedzadeh said on Friday he was "certain" that the aircraft was not hit by a missile.&nbsp;

"One thing is for certain, this airplane was not hit by a missile," Abedzadeh said in a press conference.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-evidence-indicates-boeing-airliner-was-shot-down-by-iranian-surface-to-air-missile-trudeau-273282">Intelligence evidence indicates Boeing airliner was shot down by Iranian surface-to-air missile: Trudeau</a>

Iran's civil aviation chief's statements came after Britain and Canada claimed that intelligence sources suggested a catastrophic error by Iranian air defence batteries had crashed the aircraft.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-iran-shoot-down-the-ukrainian-jet-273279/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-rumours-missile-caused-plane-crash-make-no-sense-273278">Iran says rumours missile caused plane crash make 'no sense'</a>

Abedzadeh also said that "any remarks made before the data is extracted ... is not an expert opinion."

Earlier, a video was surfaced that showed the moment the airliner was hit.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-us-plane-crash-news-updates-iran-formally-invites-us-transport-board-to-investigate-boeing-airliner-crash-273301">Iran plane crash news: Iran formally invites US transport board to investigate Boeing airliner crash</a>

New York Times claimed that it has verified the footage, which shows a rapidly-moving object rising to an angle into the sky before a flash is noticed, which dims and continues moving forward. After several seconds, an explosion is heard.&nbsp;

"We have seen some videos. We confirm that the airplane was on fire for 60 to 70 seconds," Abedzadeh said.&nbsp;

But to say "that it was hit by something cannot be scientifically correct," the aviation chief added.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that probe from multiple agencies showed that the plane was crashed after it was shot down by an Iranian missile.

63 Canadians were amongst the 176 people that were killed in the crash.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also backed Trudeau's claims and said that the missile targetting the aircraft "may well have been unintentional."

The Ukranian airlines' Boeing 737 crashed after taking off from Tehran on Wednesday, nearly at the same time when Iran claimed it fired two missiles on US airbases in Iraq.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Amid row over the crash of Ukrainian plane in Tehran, Iran's civil aviation chief Ali Abedzadeh said on Friday he was "certain" that the aircraft was not hit by a missile.

Amid row over the crash of Ukrainian plane in Tehran, Iran's civil aviation chief Ali Abedzadeh said on Friday he was "certain" that the aircraft was not hit by a missile. "One thing is for certain, this airplane was not hit by a missile," Abedzadeh said in a press conference. Also read: Intelligence evidence indicates Boeing airliner was shot down by Iranian surface-to-air missile: Trudeau Iran's civil aviation chief's statements came after Britain and Canada claimed that intelligence sources suggested a catastrophic error by Iranian air defence batteries had crashed the aircraft. Watch: Also read: Iran says rumours missile caused plane crash make 'no sense' Abedzadeh also said that "any remarks made before the data is extracted ... is not an expert opinion." Earlier, a video was surfaced that showed the moment the airliner was hit. Also read: Iran plane crash news: Iran formally invites US transport board to investigate Boeing airliner crash New York Times claimed that it has verified the footage, which shows a rapidly-moving object rising to an angle into the sky before a flash is noticed, which dims and continues moving forward. After several seconds, an explosion is heard. "We have seen some videos. We confirm that the airplane was on fire for 60 to 70 seconds," Abedzadeh said. But to say "that it was hit by something cannot be scientifically correct," the aviation chief added. On Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that probe from multiple agencies showed that the plane was crashed after it was shot down by an Iranian missile. 63 Canadians were amongst the 176 people that were killed in the crash. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also backed Trudeau's claims and said that the missile targetting the aircraft "may well have been unintentional." The Ukranian airlines' Boeing 737 crashed after taking off from Tehran on Wednesday, nearly at the same time when Iran claimed it fired two missiles on US airbases in Iraq. (with inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian aircraft was not hit by a missile: Iran's civil aviation chief

The tensions in West Asia means bad news for the global economy and the business community. Many international airlines have been re-routed, oil prices have risen sharply and volatility grips the equity markets. This report looks at some key numbers. #US #Iran #Gravitas #GlobalEconomy

Gravitas: US-Iran conflict, Impact on global economy

US-Iran conflict is a tricky situation for India. India maintains strong ties with both the US and Iran. This presents India an opportunity to broker peace in West Asia.&nbsp;

Iran has welcomed any initiatives by India to de-escalate tensions.

This means two things for India:&nbsp; One, an opportunity to play a bigger role in West Asia. Two, the ability to protect its own interest.

On WION Edit, we will explore can India play peacemaker?

First, there are over 8 million Indian workers in West Asia. Peace in the region is the top priority for India.

Two, the Chabahar port which is strategically very important. India is the top player there. Iran has now confirmed that China wants a larger role in developing the port. India must not cede ground to China.

Three, the economic impact - rise in oil prices is a major risk for the Indian economy, especially now amid the slowdown.&nbsp;Rice and tea exports from India to Iran have also been hit.

Four, safeguarding strategic interests. India is an old player in West Asia and we have cultural, people to people ties. Now China is pushing aggressively, with its money.

Earlier, Beijing did not pick sides in this conflict. But now it has changed its tune, especially after the US sanctions.

China, Russia and Iran have faced the wrath of American sanctions. A few days ago, these three countries conducted joint navy exercises in the Gulf of Oman, as well as, Indian ocean.&nbsp;

India is the best poised to handle this crisis. India has a historic relationship with Iran and it also shares a strong equation with the US.

India has close, friendly ties with Russia, strategic ties with China, clout in Saudi Arabia and friends in Israel. If there's one neutral peace broker which can de-escalate this situation, it should be India. It's an opportunity that Delhi shouldn't pass.

India's initial reaction to the killing of Qasem Soleimani has been measured and mature. Iran's foreign minister Javed Zarif will visit India next week. This could be a chance to assess the situation from close-quarters.

Recently, the Indian Navy's warships and aircraft were deployed in the Gulf region. This was to secure India's sea-borne trade, reassure Indian merchants and plan response to an emergency

It's good that India is acting to protect its maritime interests, but prevention is always better than cure. India has to step up its role in West Asia.

If India plays an active role in playing the peacemaker in the US-Iran conflict, it will not only earn the goodwill of Iran and the US, but also establish India's prominence in the region.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US-Iran conflict is a tricky situation for India. India maintains strong ties with both the US and Iran. This presents India an opportunity to broker peace in West Asia.

US-Iran conflict is a tricky situation for India. India maintains strong ties with both the US and Iran. This presents India an opportunity to broker peace in West Asia. Iran has welcomed any initiatives by India to de-escalate tensions. This means two things for India: One, an opportunity to play a bigger role in West Asia. Two, the ability to protect its own interest. On WION Edit, we will explore can India play peacemaker? First, there are over 8 million Indian workers in West Asia. Peace in the region is the top priority for India. Two, the Chabahar port which is strategically very important. India is the top player there. Iran has now confirmed that China wants a larger role in developing the port. India must not cede ground to China. Three, the economic impact - rise in oil prices is a major risk for the Indian economy, especially now amid the slowdown. Rice and tea exports from India to Iran have also been hit. Four, safeguarding strategic interests. India is an old player in West Asia and we have cultural, people to people ties. Now China is pushing aggressively, with its money. Earlier, Beijing did not pick sides in this conflict. But now it has changed its tune, especially after the US sanctions. China, Russia and Iran have faced the wrath of American sanctions. A few days ago, these three countries conducted joint navy exercises in the Gulf of Oman, as well as, Indian ocean. India is the best poised to handle this crisis. India has a historic relationship with Iran and it also shares a strong equation with the US. India has close, friendly ties with Russia, strategic ties with China, clout in Saudi Arabia and friends in Israel. If there's one neutral peace broker which can de-escalate this situation, it should be India. It's an opportunity that Delhi shouldn't pass. India's initial reaction to the killing of Qasem Soleimani has been measured and mature. Iran's foreign minister Javed Zarif will visit India next week. This could be a chance to assess the situation from close-quarters. Recently, the Indian Navy's warships and aircraft were deployed in the Gulf region. This was to secure India's sea-borne trade, reassure Indian merchants and plan response to an emergency It's good that India is acting to protect its maritime interests, but prevention is always better than cure. India has to step up its role in West Asia. If India plays an active role in playing the peacemaker in the US-Iran conflict, it will not only earn the goodwill of Iran and the US, but also establish India's prominence in the region. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: US-Iran crisis - can India play peacemaker?

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 10, 2020

The crash, which occurred the same night that Iran launched missile attacks against Iraqi military bases that house U.S. troops, resulted in the death of all 176 people on board, including at least 63 Canadians.

Canada’s Justin Trudeau says evidence indicates Iranians shot down plane

American airstrikes last week killed Iranian Quds Force commander Major-Genral Qasim Soleimani and Iraq's&nbsp;militia commander&nbsp;Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, which drove the entire region into a state of chaos.

Iran on Wednesday&nbsp;retaliated with missile strikes against American positions in Iraq. The Americans announced that there were no casualties after the attack on Al-Asad and Erbil. Here is what we know so far:

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>On January 7, 2020, slain Quds Force commander Qasim 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'.&nbsp;Soleimani funeral <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-slain-general-soleimani-laid-to-rest-in-hometown-kerman-272814">Read More</a></li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>On January 8, 2020, the General's body was finally buried after at least 35 people were killed in a stampede at the crowded gathering. Stampede at Soleimani's funeral <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qasem-soleimani-stampede-kills-35-at-funeral-for-iranian-general-killed-by-us-272728">Read More</a></li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Iranian Ambassador to India Dr Ali Chegeni said on January 8, 2020, "India is a part of the region. It should be a part of de-escalation. We are welcoming any initiative from our good friends from India." Iran ambassador requests India <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reaches-out-to-countries-in-west-asia-amid-us-iran-tensions-272367">Read More</a></li>
</ul>

Watch:&nbsp;Iranian Ambassador to India: Expect India to play peacemaker

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<ul>
	<li>Two rockets crashed late Wednesday into the Iraqi capital's Green Zone, the high-security enclave where foreign embassies including that of the&nbsp;United States&nbsp;are based, said security sources. No casualties were reported <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-is-well-so-far-so-good-says-trump-after-irans-missile-strikes-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272818">Read More</a></li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>The attack came nearly 24 hours after Tehran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases —&nbsp;Al-Asad and Erbil —&nbsp;housing American and other coalition forces, which did not cause casualties. The two strikes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/key-facts-about-al-asad-us-air-base-in-iraq-attacked-by-iran-272873">Read More</a></li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>After conducting ballistic strikes on US bases, Iran's ambassador to the UN, Majid Takht Ravanchi, in a letter to the United Nations said his country has full respect for "the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq." Iran's letter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Read More</a></li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>President Donald Trump while addressing the nation from the White House, said there were no American or Iraqi casualties after Iran conducted the missile strikes on air&nbsp;bases housing American troops. Trump said Iran appeared to be standing down <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-iranian-strike-caused-no-american-deaths-273051">Read More</a></li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/assassination-of-qasim-soleimani-what-we-know-so-far-272653">Assassination of Qasim Soleimani: What we know so far</a>

Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/qasem-soleimanis-burial-ceremony-underway-272827">Qasem Soleimani's burial ceremony underway</a>

&nbsp;

Watch: 3 Katyusha rockets hit Green Zone in Baghdad

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&nbsp;

American airstrikes last week killed Iranian Quds Force commander Major-Genral Qasim Soleimani and Iraq's militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, which drove the entire region into a state of chaos.

American airstrikes last week killed Iranian Quds Force commander Major-Genral Qasim Soleimani and Iraq's militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, which drove the entire region into a state of chaos. Iran on Wednesday retaliated with missile strikes against American positions in Iraq. The Americans announced that there were no casualties after the attack on Al-Asad and Erbil. Here is what we know so far: On January 7, 2020, slain Quds Force commander Qasim 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'. Soleimani funeral Read More On January 8, 2020, the General's body was finally buried after at least 35 people were killed in a stampede at the crowded gathering. Stampede at Soleimani's funeral Read More Iranian Ambassador to India Dr Ali Chegeni said on January 8, 2020, "India is a part of the region. It should be a part of de-escalation. We are welcoming any initiative from our good friends from India." Iran ambassador requests India Read More Watch: Iranian Ambassador to India: Expect India to play peacemaker × Two rockets crashed late Wednesday into the Iraqi capital's Green Zone, the high-security enclave where foreign embassies including that of the United States are based, said security sources. No casualties were reported Read More The attack came nearly 24 hours after Tehran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases — Al-Asad and Erbil — housing American and other coalition forces, which did not cause casualties. The two strikes Read More After conducting ballistic strikes on US bases, Iran's ambassador to the UN, Majid Takht Ravanchi, in a letter to the United Nations said his country has full respect for "the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq." Iran's letter Read More President Donald Trump while addressing the nation from the White House, said there were no American or Iraqi casualties after Iran conducted the missile strikes on air bases housing American troops. Trump said Iran appeared to be standing down Read More Read: Assassination of Qasim Soleimani: What we know so far Watch: Qasem Soleimani's burial ceremony underway Watch: 3 Katyusha rockets hit Green Zone in Baghdad ×

Iran missile attack news: Iran appears to be standing down, says Trump

A three-day national funeral procession was held for the head of Iran's Quds Force 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>, marked by hundreds of thousands of mourners who were seen carrying his casket with the slain general's posters&nbsp;across Iran and Iraq.

<meta charset="utf-8" />

<ul>
	<li>Soleimani was killed&nbsp;in an airstrike authorised by US President Donald Trump. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Iran appointed General Esmail Ghaani as the head of the elite Quds Force. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The killing escalated tensions between Iran-US relations. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Mourners marched chanting "Death of America" and "We will take our revenge" through the streets of Iran and Iraq. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>On January 5, President Trump raised the prospect targetting&nbsp;of 52 Iranian cultural sites. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>President&nbsp;Trump also threatened&nbsp;sanctions on Iraq after lawmakers called&nbsp;US troops to leave the country. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>France, Britain and Germany have called on&nbsp;Iran to refrain from violence. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Iranians and Iraqis detained and refused the re-entry of Americans. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Soleimani will be buried in his hometown on Tuesday. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>January 6 marked&nbsp;the second day of Soleimani's national funeral procession. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-iran-strike-us-will-quickly-strike-back-says-trump-272374">Should Iran strike, US will quickly strike back, says Trump</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-militants-storm-military-base-in-somalia-kill-3-american-citizens-272394">Al Shabaab militants storm military base in Somalia; kill 3 American citizens</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-challenges-vice-president-mike-pences-claims-of-soleimani-assisting-911-terrorists-272199">US media challenges Vice President Mike Pence's claims of Soleimani assisting 9/11 terrorists</a> 
&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Thousands pay respect to Qasem Soleimani

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(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

A three-day national funeral procession was held for the head of Iran's Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, marked by hundreds of thousands of mourners who were seen carrying his casket with the slain general's posters across Iran and Iraq.

A three-day national funeral procession was held for the head of Iran's Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, marked by hundreds of thousands of mourners who were seen carrying his casket with the slain general's posters across Iran and Iraq. Soleimani was killed in an airstrike authorised by US President Donald Trump. Iran appointed General Esmail Ghaani as the head of the elite Quds Force. The killing escalated tensions between Iran-US relations. Mourners marched chanting "Death of America" and "We will take our revenge" through the streets of Iran and Iraq. On January 5, President Trump raised the prospect targetting of 52 Iranian cultural sites. President Trump also threatened sanctions on Iraq after lawmakers called US troops to leave the country. France, Britain and Germany have called on Iran to refrain from violence. Iranians and Iraqis detained and refused the re-entry of Americans. Soleimani will be buried in his hometown on Tuesday. January 6 marked the second day of Soleimani's national funeral procession. Read More: Should Iran strike, US will quickly strike back, says Trump Read More: Al Shabaab militants storm military base in Somalia; kill 3 American citizens Read More: US media challenges Vice President Mike Pence's claims of Soleimani assisting 9/11 terrorists Watch: Thousands pay respect to Qasem Soleimani × (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Latest updates on Iran general Qasem Soleimani's killing

Three Katyusha rockets fell in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone housing government buildings and foreign missions, causing a fire, Iraqi police sources told Reuters. #WION #Iraq #Baghdad

3 Katyusha rockets hit Green Zone in Baghdad

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-no-us-troops-hurt-in-iran-strikes-announces-new-sanctions-on-iran-273049">US President Donald Trump</a> on Wednesday hailed the US missile arsenal and said that many hypersonic missiles are under construction.&nbsp;

While delivering his address to the nation from the White House, Trump described US missiles as "big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast".

Trump called top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani a top terrorist and defended his killing in US strikes that hit Iraq's Baghdad International Airport on January 3.&nbsp;

The US president also said that casualties were avoided in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-its-time-for-iraqi-response-to-us-drone-strike-says-paramilitary-chief-qais-al-khazali-272966">Iran's ballistic missile attack at US bases in Iraq</a> as a warning was issued in advance by the Pentagon.&nbsp;

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LIVE: President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> Addresses the Nation <a href="https://t.co/vRH9gVAD0N">https://t.co/vRH9gVAD0N</a>
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1214946620053184513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump added that "we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it."

Iran on Wednesday, in retaliation to Soleimani's killing, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">fired over a dozen ballistic missiles</a> at two Iraqi bases housing US troops.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that the strikes were not to escalate tension or to start a war but were an act of self-defence in accordance with the UN charter.&nbsp;

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Shortly after Iran fired missiles, Trump tweeted out saying "All is well!"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-slain-general-soleimani-laid-to-rest-in-hometown-kerman-272814">Also Read: Iran's slain general Soleimani laid to rest in hometown Kerman</a>

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All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties &amp; damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1214739853025394693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties &amp; damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," his tweet read.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday hailed the US missile arsenal and said that many hypersonic missiles are under construction. While delivering his address to the nation from the White House, Trump described US missiles as "big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast".

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday hailed the US missile arsenal and said that many hypersonic missiles are under construction. While delivering his address to the nation from the White House, Trump described US missiles as "big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast". Trump called top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani a top terrorist and defended his killing in US strikes that hit Iraq's Baghdad International Airport on January 3. The US president also said that casualties were avoided in Iran's ballistic missile attack at US bases in Iraq as a warning was issued in advance by the Pentagon. LIVE: President @realDonaldTrump Addresses the Nation https://t.co/vRH9gVAD0N — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 8, 2020 × Trump added that "we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it." Iran on Wednesday, in retaliation to Soleimani's killing, fired over a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing US troops. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that the strikes were not to escalate tension or to start a war but were an act of self-defence in accordance with the UN charter. × Shortly after Iran fired missiles, Trump tweeted out saying "All is well!" Also Read: Iran's slain general Soleimani laid to rest in hometown Kerman All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020 × "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," his tweet read.

We're constructing many hypersonic missiles: US President Donald Trump

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