A large group of people held a protest near the US embassy in New Delhi over the killing of top Iranian commander Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The demonstrators gathered in the capital carrying the posters of Soleimani. The plan was for the protest march to end outside the US Embassy, but it was stopped halfway by the authorities for security reasons. The protests were led by prominent Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad Naqvi, and Mehmood Pracha. #SoleimaniKilling #DelhiProtest #QassemSoleimani

WION Dispatch: Anti-US protest in India against Soleimani killing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians thronged Tehran's streets on January 6 for the funeral of military commander Qassem Soleimani. Millions of Iranians are expected to take part in nationwide events honouring Soleimani, in the lead up to his burial in his home town of Kerman on January 7. The commander of the elite Quds Force within Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was killed by a US drone strike last week. #Soleiman #Iran #QassemSoleimani #Quds

Huge crowds in Tehran for Soleimani’s funeral procession

Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over with my father's martyrdom, says Zeinab, daughter of Qasem Soleimani

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">White&nbsp;House</a>&nbsp;sent to Congress on Saturday&nbsp;formal&nbsp;notification of Friday's US&nbsp;drone&nbsp;strike&nbsp;that killed a top Iranian general,&nbsp;amid&nbsp;complaints&nbsp;from&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;that President Donald Trump did not notify&nbsp;lawmakers&nbsp;or seek advance approval for the attack.

The US&nbsp;strike&nbsp;that killed Iranian military commander <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> in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;has caused a dramatic rise in tensions between Iran and the United States and its allies.

The classified notification was sent under a 1973 US&nbsp;law called the War Powers Act, which requires the administration to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action or imminent actions.

White&nbsp;House&nbsp;national security adviser <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-calls-for-positive-offensive-measures-to-ensure-safety-270976">Robert O'Brien</a> confirmed the&nbsp;notice&nbsp;had been sent and told Fox News on Saturday there were numerous legal grounds for the attack. He said Justice Department lawyers had signed off on the plan.

"This was an absolute legal operation," O'Brien said. "We feel very good about the legal basis for this military operation."

House&nbsp;of Representatives Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treasurys-mnuchin-to-head-us-delegation-to-davos-conclave-271625">Nancy Pelosi</a>, a Democrat, said it raised more questions than it answered.

"This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing, manner and justification of the Administration's decision to engage in hostilities against Iran," Pelosi said in a statement.

She said the "highly unusual" decision to classify the entire document compounded her concerns and "suggests that the Congress and the American people are being left in the dark about our national security."

A senior Democratic aide described the notification as "brief and insufficient."

In the notification, Trump's administration was expected to have explained the circumstances, the authority under which the action was taken and the expected scope and duration of the military involvement. The&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;declined to comment.

Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-labour-party-must-talk-values-to-win-back-the-asian-community-270978">Bernie Sanders</a>, a contender for the Democratic nomination to run against Trump in November's presidential election, said on Saturday that Congress must take immediate steps to restrain the president "from&nbsp;plunging our nation into yet another endless war."

Senator Elizabeth Warren, another Democratic presidential candidate, told reporters on Saturday that Trump has taken the United States "to the brink of war" and called his actions "reckless. He evidently has no plan."

Pelosi has said the&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-target-52-iranian-sites-if-americans-are-attacked-donald-trump-272166">Baghdad</a> was conducted without specific authorization&nbsp;from&nbsp;Congress and "without the consultation of the Congress."

On Saturday she described the administration's military engagement as "provocative, escalatory and disproportionate" and said it put US&nbsp;citizens, troops and their allies in danger.

The Pentagon on Friday briefed staff members&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;House&nbsp;Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee on the attack.

On Friday, Democratic US&nbsp;Senator Tim Kaine introduced a resolution to force a debate and vote in Congress to prevent further escalation of hostilities with Iran.

Republicans in Congress have generally backed Trump's action. Senate Majority Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treasurys-mnuchin-to-head-us-delegation-to-davos-conclave-271625">Mitch McConnell</a> said on Friday that "no man alive was more directly responsible for the deaths of more American service members than Qassem Soleimani."

The White House sent to Congress on Saturday formal notification of Friday's US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, amid complaints from Democrats that President Donald Trump did not notify lawmakers or seek advance approval for the attack.

The White House sent to Congress on Saturday formal notification of Friday's US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, amid complaints from Democrats that President Donald Trump did not notify lawmakers or seek advance approval for the attack. The US strike that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq has caused a dramatic rise in tensions between Iran and the United States and its allies. The classified notification was sent under a 1973 US law called the War Powers Act, which requires the administration to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action or imminent actions. White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien confirmed the notice had been sent and told Fox News on Saturday there were numerous legal grounds for the attack. He said Justice Department lawyers had signed off on the plan. "This was an absolute legal operation," O'Brien said. "We feel very good about the legal basis for this military operation." House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said it raised more questions than it answered. "This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing, manner and justification of the Administration's decision to engage in hostilities against Iran," Pelosi said in a statement. She said the "highly unusual" decision to classify the entire document compounded her concerns and "suggests that the Congress and the American people are being left in the dark about our national security." A senior Democratic aide described the notification as "brief and insufficient." In the notification, Trump's administration was expected to have explained the circumstances, the authority under which the action was taken and the expected scope and duration of the military involvement. The White House declined to comment. Senator Bernie Sanders, a contender for the Democratic nomination to run against Trump in November's presidential election, said on Saturday that Congress must take immediate steps to restrain the president "from plunging our nation into yet another endless war." Senator Elizabeth Warren, another Democratic presidential candidate, told reporters on Saturday that Trump has taken the United States "to the brink of war" and called his actions "reckless. He evidently has no plan." Pelosi has said the strike in Baghdad was conducted without specific authorization from Congress and "without the consultation of the Congress." On Saturday she described the administration's military engagement as "provocative, escalatory and disproportionate" and said it put US citizens, troops and their allies in danger. The Pentagon on Friday briefed staff members from the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee on the attack. On Friday, Democratic US Senator Tim Kaine introduced a resolution to force a debate and vote in Congress to prevent further escalation of hostilities with Iran. Republicans in Congress have generally backed Trump's action. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Friday that "no man alive was more directly responsible for the deaths of more American service members than Qassem Soleimani."

White House gives lawmakers formal notice of Iraq strike amid complaints from Democrats

A fresh row erupted in the United States after the Vice President made claims on Friday that Qasem Soleimani assisted clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the 9/11 attacks in the country.&nbsp;

Media houses in the country challenged Vice President Mike Pence's claims of Soleimani's connections to the September 11 attacks.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-target-52-iranian-sites-if-americans-are-attacked-donald-trump-272166">US to target 52 Iranian sites if Americans are attacked: Donald Trump</a>

Soleimani, who was the head of Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards', was killed on Friday in a drone strike by the US in Baghdad.

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Assisted in the clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1213189757708189699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The American vice president on Friday said on Twitter that Soleimani "assisted in the clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States."

When critics on Twitter pointed out that the 2001 terror attacks were carried out by 19 militants, and not 11, Pence spokeswoman Katie Waldman clarified that Pence was referring only to the dozen who had "transited through Afghanistan."

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Yesterday, President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> took decisive action and stood up against the leading state sponsor of terror to take out an evil man who was responsible for killing thousands of Americans. Soleimani was a terrorist. Here are some of his worst atrocities:
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1213189745821540353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"10 of those 12 were assisted by Soleimani," Waldman said.&nbsp;

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Directed the sophisticated January 20, 2007, attack on the Provincial Joint Coordination Center in Karbala, Iraq, in which five captured U.S. soldiers were executed.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1213189750409986049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, New York Times refuted Vice President's claims and said that Soleimani was never named in the elaborated 585-page report issued by the September 11 Commission. &nbsp;

The Washington Post said that it might be "technically correct to say that Iran 'assisted' in their (9/11 militants) travel." But, it added that did not mean Tehran, or Soleimani in particular was "knowingly assisting in what became the 9/11 attack."&nbsp;

Also, 15 of the 19 US terror attack hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, Iran's arch-rival. 
&nbsp; 
Pence went on to make his points clear through his tweets where he claimed of atrocities committed by Soleimani across a wide swath of the Middle East.

(with inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

A fresh row erupted in the United States after the Vice President made claims on Friday that Qasem Soleimani assisted clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the 9/11 attacks in the country.

A fresh row erupted in the United States after the Vice President made claims on Friday that Qasem Soleimani assisted clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the 9/11 attacks in the country. Media houses in the country challenged Vice President Mike Pence's claims of Soleimani's connections to the September 11 attacks. Also read: US to target 52 Iranian sites if Americans are attacked: Donald Trump Soleimani, who was the head of Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards', was killed on Friday in a drone strike by the US in Baghdad. Assisted in the clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. — Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 3, 2020 × The American vice president on Friday said on Twitter that Soleimani "assisted in the clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States." When critics on Twitter pointed out that the 2001 terror attacks were carried out by 19 militants, and not 11, Pence spokeswoman Katie Waldman clarified that Pence was referring only to the dozen who had "transited through Afghanistan." Yesterday, President @realDonaldTrump took decisive action and stood up against the leading state sponsor of terror to take out an evil man who was responsible for killing thousands of Americans. Soleimani was a terrorist. Here are some of his worst atrocities: — Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 3, 2020 × "10 of those 12 were assisted by Soleimani," Waldman said. Directed the sophisticated January 20, 2007, attack on the Provincial Joint Coordination Center in Karbala, Iraq, in which five captured U.S. soldiers were executed. — Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 3, 2020 × However, New York Times refuted Vice President's claims and said that Soleimani was never named in the elaborated 585-page report issued by the September 11 Commission. The Washington Post said that it might be "technically correct to say that Iran 'assisted' in their (9/11 militants) travel." But, it added that did not mean Tehran, or Soleimani in particular was "knowingly assisting in what became the 9/11 attack." Also, 15 of the 19 US terror attack hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, Iran's arch-rival. Pence went on to make his points clear through his tweets where he claimed of atrocities committed by Soleimani across a wide swath of the Middle East. (with inputs from AFP)

US media challenges Vice President Mike Pence's claims of Soleimani assisting 9/11 terrorists

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lacks-courage-for-military-confrontation-with-iran-iran-army-chief-272304">Iran</a>'s top military general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dominic-raab-calls-for-de-escalation-of-tensions-after-killing-of-menace-soleimani-272295">Qasem Soleimani's killing</a> has sent shockwaves across the world. Diplomatic channels in almost every nation are watching the developments closely.

The Indian government as well has found itself in a tough spot. The immediate fallout before PM Modi and his policy advisers will be managing the spike in global oil prices.

But looking at India's history with Iran and the current relations with the <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">United States</a> the political dynamics become interesting.

The stage upon which this geopolitical conflict was playing out until now has expanded exponentially.

The Shia Muslim population of India have deep cultural, spiritual and historical connections with Tehran. The terms 'Namaz' and 'Khuda Hafiz' find their roots in Persia.&nbsp;

Interestingly, these protests come at a time when a significant portion of the Muslim community in India is already protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act.&nbsp;

The Indian government knows that its response to the escalating crisis has to factor in the sentiments of the community at large.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meatloaf-and-ice-cream-trump-savoured-an-all-american-meal-as-pentagon-confirmed-soleimanis-killing-272061">Meatloaf and ice cream - Trump savoured an all-American meal as Pentagon confirmed Soleimani's killing</a>

<img alt="Iran " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a63e78ed-ed6e-43db-a27a-673d0c16bce0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/iran%20oil.jpg" />

Vital interests

India has vital interests in the Middle East. In the Gulf alone, India has close to 9 million residents. This region is a significant source of Indian oil and gas imports as well as remittances, especially to the state of Kerala.

Transit route&nbsp;

Importantly, India hoped that this region will serve as a transit route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, including through the Iranian port of Chabahar. &nbsp;India even has a sanction exemption for it from the US.

The balancing act

Perhaps, the biggest challenge for India is to balance the entire act. The government has tried to walk a tightrope over the past few years maintaining ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Israel and being extremely cautious of not antagonising America at the same time.&nbsp;

US-India ties

The US, unlike in the past, has refrained from appearing hostile toward's prime minister Modi's stance on Pakistan. It did not even condemn India's Balakot strike or the abrogation of article 370 and the Citizenship Amendment Act&nbsp;

The US is India's second-largest trading partner after China and a superpower which India doesn't want to work against. Especially, after Trump's significant remarks about Soleimani having had a key role in the attack on an Israeli diplomat in Delhi.

For the second time, New Delhi is finding itself at the crossroads due to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Iraq.

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Neutral stance

Before the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, India's ties with the country suffered due to the UN sanctions on Iraq. But India soon developed trade within the oil-for-food program, which permitted Iraq to export oil for essential goods.

After the US invasion of Iraq, India maintained a neutral stance and had even condemned military action against Iraq but later almost joined the coalition under the US backroom diplomacy only to eventually back off due to public sentiment and opposition protests.

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Oil matters

More recently, the US sanctions on Iran have forced India's hand on the most vital commodity - oil. Iran's foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-invites-iranian-foreign-minister-zarif-to-brussels-amid-rising-middle-east-tension-272290">Javad Zarif</a> stated that India must stand up to the bully.

India has managed to make up for the loss of Iranian oil with other imports but PM Modi knows that oil is a commodity that can cause a massive political upheaval in India.

Iran's top military general Qasem Soleimani's killing has sent shockwaves across the world. Diplomatic channels in almost every nation are watching the developments closely.

Iran's top military general Qasem Soleimani's killing has sent shockwaves across the world. Diplomatic channels in almost every nation are watching the developments closely. The Indian government as well has found itself in a tough spot. The immediate fallout before PM Modi and his policy advisers will be managing the spike in global oil prices. But looking at India's history with Iran and the current relations with the United States the political dynamics become interesting. The stage upon which this geopolitical conflict was playing out until now has expanded exponentially. The Shia Muslim population of India have deep cultural, spiritual and historical connections with Tehran. The terms 'Namaz' and 'Khuda Hafiz' find their roots in Persia. Interestingly, these protests come at a time when a significant portion of the Muslim community in India is already protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act. The Indian government knows that its response to the escalating crisis has to factor in the sentiments of the community at large. Also read: Meatloaf and ice cream - Trump savoured an all-American meal as Pentagon confirmed Soleimani's killing Vital interests India has vital interests in the Middle East. In the Gulf alone, India has close to 9 million residents. This region is a significant source of Indian oil and gas imports as well as remittances, especially to the state of Kerala. Transit route Importantly, India hoped that this region will serve as a transit route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, including through the Iranian port of Chabahar. India even has a sanction exemption for it from the US. The balancing act Perhaps, the biggest challenge for India is to balance the entire act. The government has tried to walk a tightrope over the past few years maintaining ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Israel and being extremely cautious of not antagonising America at the same time. US-India ties The US, unlike in the past, has refrained from appearing hostile toward's prime minister Modi's stance on Pakistan. It did not even condemn India's Balakot strike or the abrogation of article 370 and the Citizenship Amendment Act The US is India's second-largest trading partner after China and a superpower which India doesn't want to work against. Especially, after Trump's significant remarks about Soleimani having had a key role in the attack on an Israeli diplomat in Delhi. For the second time, New Delhi is finding itself at the crossroads due to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Iraq. Neutral stance Before the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, India's ties with the country suffered due to the UN sanctions on Iraq. But India soon developed trade within the oil-for-food program, which permitted Iraq to export oil for essential goods. After the US invasion of Iraq, India maintained a neutral stance and had even condemned military action against Iraq but later almost joined the coalition under the US backroom diplomacy only to eventually back off due to public sentiment and opposition protests. Oil matters More recently, the US sanctions on Iran have forced India's hand on the most vital commodity - oil. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif stated that India must stand up to the bully. India has managed to make up for the loss of Iranian oil with other imports but PM Modi knows that oil is a commodity that can cause a massive political upheaval in India.

As tension escalates between US and Iran, how is India impacted and what are New Delhi's options?  

British foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-exclaimed-with-f-word-in-reaction-to-soleimanis-killing-in-us-airstrikes-272225">Dominic Raab</a> said on Sunday he understood why the United States had killed a top Iranian military commander but urged a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East to avoid war in the region.

Iran condemned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-challenges-vice-president-mike-pences-claims-of-soleimani-assisting-911-terrorists-272199">Donald Trump</a> as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites if Tehran attacks Americans or US&nbsp;assets in retaliation for the killing of <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 Friday.

Raab, who is due to meet with US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-accuses-europeans-of-not-being-helpful-after-us-strikes-272098">Mike Pompeo</a> in Washington on Thursday, said he had spoken to Iraq's prime minister and president and also planned to speak to Iran's foreign minister later on Sunday.

"We want to de-escalate the tensions, we want to see a route through this crisis. We do not want to see a major war in the Middle East. The only group of players that would benefit from that would be the terrorists and Daesh," he told the BBC.

Raab said Soleimani was a "regional menace" and he understood "the position the Americans found themselves in".

Asked if the killing was legal, Raab said: "It was General Soleimani’s job description to engage proxies and militias to attack Western countries that were legitimately there and in those circumstances the right of self-defence clearly applies."

Raab said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimanis-killing-uk-pm-boris-johnson-under-pressure-to-cut-short-caribbean-vacation-272084">Britain</a>, which on Saturday warned its citizens against travel to Iraq and Iran, was taking "every essential measure" to reduce the risk to British nationals, diplomatic missions and military personnel.

He said the leadership in Tehran needed to know that there was a diplomatic way out.

"There is a route through which allows Iran to come in from out of the international cold," he told Sky News. "We need to contain the nefarious actions of Iran but we also need to deescalate and stabilise the situation."

Opposition Labour lawmaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-presses-election-rival-jeremy-corbyn-to-explain-brexit-stance-260104">Keir Starmer</a>, the bookmakers' favourite to win the party's upcoming leadership contest, said the killing of Soleiman was the "unilateral act of an irrational and erratic president".

"We cannot blindly follow the Americans into what could well turn out to be a war in the Middle East," he told the BBC.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday he understood why the United States had killed a top Iranian military commander but urged a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East to avoid war in the region.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday he understood why the United States had killed a top Iranian military commander but urged a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East to avoid war in the region. Iran condemned Donald Trump as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites if Tehran attacks Americans or US assets in retaliation for the killing of Qassem Soleimani on Friday. Raab, who is due to meet with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Thursday, said he had spoken to Iraq's prime minister and president and also planned to speak to Iran's foreign minister later on Sunday. "We want to de-escalate the tensions, we want to see a route through this crisis. We do not want to see a major war in the Middle East. The only group of players that would benefit from that would be the terrorists and Daesh," he told the BBC. Raab said Soleimani was a "regional menace" and he understood "the position the Americans found themselves in". Asked if the killing was legal, Raab said: "It was General Soleimani’s job description to engage proxies and militias to attack Western countries that were legitimately there and in those circumstances the right of self-defence clearly applies." Raab said Britain, which on Saturday warned its citizens against travel to Iraq and Iran, was taking "every essential measure" to reduce the risk to British nationals, diplomatic missions and military personnel. He said the leadership in Tehran needed to know that there was a diplomatic way out. "There is a route through which allows Iran to come in from out of the international cold," he told Sky News. "We need to contain the nefarious actions of Iran but we also need to deescalate and stabilise the situation." Opposition Labour lawmaker Keir Starmer, the bookmakers' favourite to win the party's upcoming leadership contest, said the killing of Soleiman was the "unilateral act of an irrational and erratic president". "We cannot blindly follow the Americans into what could well turn out to be a war in the Middle East," he told the BBC.

British foreign minister calls for de-escalation of tensions after killing of 'menace' Soleimani

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

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to Trump's warnings on Sunday in a tweet, saying that targetting country's cultural sites would be a "war crime".

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/royal-jordanian-gulf-air-suspend-flights-to-baghdad-after-us-strikes-kill-top-iran-commander-qasem-soleimani-272050">Gulf</a>&nbsp;stocks fell sharply in early trade on Sunday, led by&nbsp;Kuwaiti shares, on escalating&nbsp;tensions&nbsp;between the United States and&nbsp;Iran.

Iranian military commander <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>, the architect of Tehran's overseas clandestine and military operations was killed on Friday in a&nbsp;US&nbsp;drone strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport.

The killing is seen by Tehran as an act of war that risks regional conflagration.

The&nbsp;Kuwaiti index, the best performer in the region in 2019, was down nearly 3.8 per cent&nbsp;in early trade, Dubai stocks were down 1.8 per cent&nbsp;and the Abu Dhabi index fell 1.1 per cent.

The Saudi market&nbsp;plunged 2 per cent&nbsp;at the market open, with shares of in oil giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-oil-gold-safe-haven-assets-gains-as-us-strike-kills-iranian-commander-271901">Saudi Aramco</a> down 0.7 per cent.

"A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-iran-tensions-and-why-india-should-care-271967">US-Iran</a>&nbsp;war could shave 0.5 percentage points or more off global GDP, mainly due to a collapse in&nbsp;Iran’s economy but also due to the impact from a surge in oil prices," Jason Tuvey, senior emerging&nbsp;markets&nbsp;economist at Capital Economics, said in a note last week.

He said while a&nbsp;US-Iran&nbsp;conflict would probably pressure equity and bond&nbsp;markets&nbsp;in the Middle East,&nbsp;Gulf&nbsp;countries' currency pegs to the&nbsp;US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/safe-haven-yen-lifted-us-dollar-hits-in-grim-data-after-qassem-soleimani-strike-272054">dollar</a> would likely remain intact.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-oil-workers-leave-iraq-air-strike-on-iranian-leader-qassem-soleimani-272049">Oil prices</a> jumped to $63.05 a barrel on Friday, their highest level in more than three months, after Soleimani's killing sparked fears that conflict in the region could disrupt global oil supplies.&nbsp;

Gulf stocks fell sharply in early trade on Sunday, led by Kuwaiti shares, on escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, the architect of Tehran's overseas clandestine and military operations was killed on Friday in a US drone strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport.

Gulf stocks fell sharply in early trade on Sunday, led by Kuwaiti shares, on escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, the architect of Tehran's overseas clandestine and military operations was killed on Friday in a US drone strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport. The killing is seen by Tehran as an act of war that risks regional conflagration. The Kuwaiti index, the best performer in the region in 2019, was down nearly 3.8 per cent in early trade, Dubai stocks were down 1.8 per cent and the Abu Dhabi index fell 1.1 per cent. The Saudi market plunged 2 per cent at the market open, with shares of in oil giant Saudi Aramco down 0.7 per cent. "A US-Iran war could shave 0.5 percentage points or more off global GDP, mainly due to a collapse in Iran’s economy but also due to the impact from a surge in oil prices," Jason Tuvey, senior emerging markets economist at Capital Economics, said in a note last week. He said while a US-Iran conflict would probably pressure equity and bond markets in the Middle East, Gulf countries' currency pegs to the US dollar would likely remain intact. Oil prices jumped to $63.05 a barrel on Friday, their highest level in more than three months, after Soleimani's killing sparked fears that conflict in the region could disrupt global oil supplies.

Gulf markets plunge on US-Iran tensions, Kuwait lead fall

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/equation-in-air-battle-would-have-been-different-if-abhinandan-was-flying-rafale-dhanoa-272211">Pakistan</a> has extended tacit support to the United States over its action against Iran earlier this week in exchange for the resumption of military cooperation with Washington, in a move that led to the latter authorising the reinstatement of a military training and educational program which had remained suspended for two years. 
 
Citing Intelligence sources, Asian Lite reported that Islamabad, which blamed Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major Gen <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-gives-lawmakers-formal-notice-of-iraq-strike-amid-complaints-from-democrats-272196">Qassem Soleimani</a> for Baloch militant attacks against its forces, found an opportunity to "kill two birds with one stone" when Washington sought its support after the airstrikes near the Baghdad international airport. 
 
It may be noted that the Washington's announcement to authorise the resumption of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-resume-military-training-program-for-pakistan-state-department-269269">International Military Education and Training</a> (IMET) for strengthening "military to military cooperation on shared priorities and advance US national security" came hours after US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo spoke to Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-seeks-power-to-extend-tenure-of-bajwa-271791">Qamar Javed Bajwa</a> in the aftermath of the airstrike. 
 
"Pakistan's Chief of Staff General Bajwa and I spoke today about US defensive action to kill Qassem Soleimani. The Iran regime's actions in the region are destabilising and our resolve in protecting American interests, personnel, facilities, and partners will not waver," Pompeo had tweeted. 
 
Pakistan has remained conspicuous by its silence over the US airstrikes and subsequent escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran. 
 
Citing a leaked letter of Pakistan Foreign Ministry, The Asian Lite report further asserted that as many as 14 members of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-continues-to-exist-in-pakistan-army-chief-mm-naravane-to-wion-271729">Pakistan</a> Armed Forces were killed recently by "Baloch militants" based in Iran. It was one of the several attacks sponsored by Iranian intelligence chief Soleimani against Pakistan. 
 
The IMET programme was frozen for Pakistan by the Trump Administration two years ago due to Islamabad's lack of action against terror groups. 
 
It may be noted that the State Department administers IMET, a programme which offers spaces to foreign military officers at US military education institutions, such as the US Army War College and the US Naval War College. 
 
Pakistan-based The News International has reported a State Department spokeswoman as saying that the programme "provides an opportunity to increase bilateral cooperation between our countries on shared priorities. We want to continue to build on this foundation through concrete actions that advance regional security and stability."

Pakistan has extended tacit support to the United States over its action against Iran earlier this week in exchange for the resumption of military cooperation with Washington, in a move that led to the latter authorising the reinstatement of a military training and educational program which had remained suspended for two years.

Pakistan has extended tacit support to the United States over its action against Iran earlier this week in exchange for the resumption of military cooperation with Washington, in a move that led to the latter authorising the reinstatement of a military training and educational program which had remained suspended for two years. Citing Intelligence sources, Asian Lite reported that Islamabad, which blamed Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Major Gen Qassem Soleimani for Baloch militant attacks against its forces, found an opportunity to "kill two birds with one stone" when Washington sought its support after the airstrikes near the Baghdad international airport. It may be noted that the Washington's announcement to authorise the resumption of International Military Education and Training (IMET) for strengthening "military to military cooperation on shared priorities and advance US national security" came hours after US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo spoke to Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa in the aftermath of the airstrike. "Pakistan's Chief of Staff General Bajwa and I spoke today about US defensive action to kill Qassem Soleimani. The Iran regime's actions in the region are destabilising and our resolve in protecting American interests, personnel, facilities, and partners will not waver," Pompeo had tweeted. Pakistan has remained conspicuous by its silence over the US airstrikes and subsequent escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran. Citing a leaked letter of Pakistan Foreign Ministry, The Asian Lite report further asserted that as many as 14 members of Pakistan Armed Forces were killed recently by "Baloch militants" based in Iran. It was one of the several attacks sponsored by Iranian intelligence chief Soleimani against Pakistan. The IMET programme was frozen for Pakistan by the Trump Administration two years ago due to Islamabad's lack of action against terror groups. It may be noted that the State Department administers IMET, a programme which offers spaces to foreign military officers at US military education institutions, such as the US Army War College and the US Naval War College. Pakistan-based The News International has reported a State Department spokeswoman as saying that the programme "provides an opportunity to increase bilateral cooperation between our countries on shared priorities. We want to continue to build on this foundation through concrete actions that advance regional security and stability."

Pakistan ditches Iran, extends tacit support to US over airstrikes for resumption in military cooperation

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

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

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

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

How people in Iraq mourn death of Qasem Soleimani

Thousands of mourners dressed in black paid respect to former general Qasem Soleimani after his body reached the Iranian city of Ahvaz on Sunday.&nbsp;

Like yesterday, mourners once again chanted "Death to America" at a mass gathering in the country's southwestern city. The last remains reached Iran after thousands bid adieu to the much-revered commander in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad and Najaf.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-target-52-iranian-sites-if-americans-are-attacked-donald-trump-272166">US to target 52 Iranian sites if Americans are attacked: Donald Trump&nbsp;</a>

A video clip by official IRIB agency showed that the coffin was wrapped in an Iranian flag and a military band started playing as soon as the coffin unloaded from the plane.&nbsp;
<img alt="Qasem Soleimani last remains" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6d78a13-5e5f-4e80-9c85-bdb869de53ec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1NG3AV.jpg" />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;(Mourners holding the coffin: Photo Credit: AFP)

The mourners were seen crying, beating their chests and carried portraits of the commander who was the chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force.
<img alt="Qasem Soleimani last remains" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7de93e24-6a0f-4da4-a10e-b827ac124261" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pYcLf0yl.jpg" />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;(Mourners holding the coffin in Iran: Photo Credit: AFP)

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chants-of-death-to-america-as-iraqis-mourn-death-of-iranian-commander-272136">Chants of 'Death to America' as Iraqis mourn death of Iranian commander Soleimani</a>

Men and women gathered in Mollavi Square with flags in green, white and red, which depicted the blood of "martyrs".
<img alt="Qasem Soleimani last remains" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6dc87dfa-93d9-4448-9f28-6d301385eaf5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/wYBcMV3Q.jpg" />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (An Iranian carrying Soleimani's photograph: Photo Credit: Reuters)

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-punish-americans-wherever-they-are-within-its-reach-guards-commander-272154">Iran will punish Americans wherever they are within its reach: Guards commander</a>

The 62-year old general was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad international airport on Friday. Iraq's paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was also killed in the strike.&nbsp;

After Soleimani's killing, ties between Washington and Tehran got even more strained and raised concerns of a new war in the Middle East.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed "severe revenge" and declared three days of mourning in the Islamic Republic.

Earlier today, US President Donald Trump, in a tweet, said that the US would target Iran's 52 sites if they killed any American.&nbsp;

Iran "will be hit very fast and very hard," Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

On Sunday evening, it is expected that the last remains will be flown to the Iranian capital Tehran before the funeral in Soleimani's hometown Kerman on Tuesday.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Thousands of mourners dressed in black paid respect to former general Qasem Soleimani after his body reached the Iranian city of Ahvaz on Sunday. Like yesterday, mourners once again chanted "Death to America" at a mass gathering in the country's southwestern city.

Thousands of mourners dressed in black paid respect to former general Qasem Soleimani after his body reached the Iranian city of Ahvaz on Sunday. Like yesterday, mourners once again chanted "Death to America" at a mass gathering in the country's southwestern city. The last remains reached Iran after thousands bid adieu to the much-revered commander in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad and Najaf. Also read: US to target 52 Iranian sites if Americans are attacked: Donald Trump A video clip by official IRIB agency showed that the coffin was wrapped in an Iranian flag and a military band started playing as soon as the coffin unloaded from the plane. (Mourners holding the coffin: Photo Credit: AFP) The mourners were seen crying, beating their chests and carried portraits of the commander who was the chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force. (Mourners holding the coffin in Iran: Photo Credit: AFP) Also read: Chants of 'Death to America' as Iraqis mourn death of Iranian commander Soleimani Men and women gathered in Mollavi Square with flags in green, white and red, which depicted the blood of "martyrs". (An Iranian carrying Soleimani's photograph: Photo Credit: Reuters) Also read: Iran will punish Americans wherever they are within its reach: Guards commander The 62-year old general was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad international airport on Friday. Iraq's paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was also killed in the strike. After Soleimani's killing, ties between Washington and Tehran got even more strained and raised concerns of a new war in the Middle East. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed "severe revenge" and declared three days of mourning in the Islamic Republic. Earlier today, US President Donald Trump, in a tweet, said that the US would target Iran's 52 sites if they killed any American. Iran "will be hit very fast and very hard," Trump tweeted. On Sunday evening, it is expected that the last remains will be flown to the Iranian capital Tehran before the funeral in Soleimani's hometown Kerman on Tuesday. (with inputs from agencies)

Thousands of mourners pay respect as Qasem Soleimani's last remains reach Iran

Some commercial airlines have suspended flights to Baghdad following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-contributed-to-plotting-terror-attacks-in-new-delhi-london-trump-272027">US airstrikes at the Baghdad International Airport</a>.

According to reports, Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian were the two such airlines that halted services to Baghdad citing security concerns.&nbsp;

In a statement, Gulf Air said that flight services to and from Baghdad and Iraq's Najaf have been suspended until further notice due to safety and security issues.

The airlines said that it will continue "to monitor the security situation in Iraq, where the safety and security of passengers and crew is its top priority".

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TRAVEL ALERT: Flights to and from Baghdad and Najaf in the Republic of Iraq have suspended until further notice due to safety and security issues.
— Gulf Air (@GulfAir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulfAir/status/1213128359284269056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Royal Jordanian continues its operation to other Iraqi regions except to Baghdad.&nbsp;

Domestic operators like Iraqi Airways, UR Airline and Fly Baghdad are operating air services as usual.&nbsp;

The development comes after US-led airstrikes at Baghdad International Airport on January 3 killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani.&nbsp;

Soleimani headed Iran's elite military force, the Quds, for over two decades and was one of the top influential people in Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Some commercial airlines have suspended flights to Baghdad following the US airstrikes at the Baghdad International Airport. According to reports, Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian were the two such airlines that halted services to Baghdad citing security concerns.

Some commercial airlines have suspended flights to Baghdad following the US airstrikes at the Baghdad International Airport. According to reports, Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian were the two such airlines that halted services to Baghdad citing security concerns. In a statement, Gulf Air said that flight services to and from Baghdad and Iraq's Najaf have been suspended until further notice due to safety and security issues. The airlines said that it will continue "to monitor the security situation in Iraq, where the safety and security of passengers and crew is its top priority". TRAVEL ALERT: Flights to and from Baghdad and Najaf in the Republic of Iraq have suspended until further notice due to safety and security issues. — Gulf Air (@GulfAir) January 3, 2020 × Royal Jordanian continues its operation to other Iraqi regions except to Baghdad. Domestic operators like Iraqi Airways, UR Airline and Fly Baghdad are operating air services as usual. The development comes after US-led airstrikes at Baghdad International Airport on January 3 killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani headed Iran's elite military force, the Quds, for over two decades and was one of the top influential people in Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Royal Jordanian, Gulf Air suspend flights to Baghdad after US strikes kill top Iran commander Soleimani 

In an address after the killing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-respond-to-soleimani-killing-any-time-in-any-manner-foreign-minister-zarif-272013">Iranian top commander Qasem Soleimani</a>, US President Donald Trump alleged that the Iranian military commander was responsible for plotting terror attacks in New Delhi.&nbsp;

In what can be seen as an attempt to rope in the allies after the strikes at the Baghdad International Airport on Friday, Trump said that the slain chief of Iran Revolutionary Guards&nbsp;contributed to "terrorist plots as far away as New Delhi and London".

Trump's comments came during his address in Palm Beach, Flordia.&nbsp;

The US president added that Soleimani's reign of terror is finally over.&nbsp;

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The US President could be referring to a car bomb attack in Iran back in 2012 which targetted the wife of the Israeli defence attache to India.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had alleged that Iran was responsible for the attack.&nbsp;

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that Tehran will respond Soleimani's killing "any time and in any manner".

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-plotting-imminent-action-threatening-hundreds-of-american-lives-pompeo-271975">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> on Friday said that Soleimani was plotting attacks which would have put hundreds of American lives at risk.&nbsp;

"Soleimani was actively plotting in the region to take actions, a big action, as he described it, that would have put dozens if not hundreds of American lives at risk," Pompeo said.

In an address after the killing of Iranian top commander Qasem Soleimani, US President Donald Trump alleged that the Iranian military commander was responsible for plotting terror attacks in New Delhi.

In an address after the killing of Iranian top commander Qasem Soleimani, US President Donald Trump alleged that the Iranian military commander was responsible for plotting terror attacks in New Delhi. In what can be seen as an attempt to rope in the allies after the strikes at the Baghdad International Airport on Friday, Trump said that the slain chief of Iran Revolutionary Guards contributed to "terrorist plots as far away as New Delhi and London". Trump's comments came during his address in Palm Beach, Flordia. The US president added that Soleimani's reign of terror is finally over. × The US President could be referring to a car bomb attack in Iran back in 2012 which targetted the wife of the Israeli defence attache to India. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had alleged that Iran was responsible for the attack. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that Tehran will respond Soleimani's killing "any time and in any manner". Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday said that Soleimani was plotting attacks which would have put hundreds of American lives at risk. "Soleimani was actively plotting in the region to take actions, a big action, as he described it, that would have put dozens if not hundreds of American lives at risk," Pompeo said.

Soleimani contributed to plotting terror attacks in New Delhi, London: Trump

Amid tensions in the region over the killing of Iran's elite Quds Force, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-respond-to-soleimani-killing-any-time-in-any-manner-foreign-minister-zarif-272013">General Qasem Soleimani</a>, US Embassy in Pakistan issued advisory restricting travel of US government employees.

World reacts to killing of Iran's Soleimani by U.S., Mideast countries condemn US strikes in Iraq

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"Given possible reactions to recent events in Iraq, the US Embassy has restricted travel by US government employees. US government personnel in Pakistan are required to postpone non-essential official movements and most personal movements," informed US Embassy in Pakistan on Friday. 
The US consulate in Pakistan to monitor their surroundings for possible demonstrations and suspicious activity. 
 
Washington on Thursday carried out a strike near Baghdad's international airport <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-plotting-imminent-action-threatening-hundreds-of-american-lives-pompeo-271975">killing</a> Soleimani, a US-designated terrorist, along with six others on the direction of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-military-strikes-in-iraq-stir-regional-hornets-nest-271866">Donald Trump</a>. 
 
The US had accused Soleimani of orchestrating several attacks on coalition bases in Iraq including the December 27 attack in which American and Iraqi personnel were killed.

Amid tensions in the region over the killing of Iran's elite Quds Force, General Qasem Soleimani, US Embassy in Pakistan issued advisory restricting travel of US government employees.

Amid tensions in the region over the killing of Iran's elite Quds Force, General Qasem Soleimani, US Embassy in Pakistan issued advisory restricting travel of US government employees. World reacts to killing of Iran's Soleimani by U.S., Mideast countries condemn US strikes in Iraq × "Given possible reactions to recent events in Iraq, the US Embassy has restricted travel by US government employees. US government personnel in Pakistan are required to postpone non-essential official movements and most personal movements," informed US Embassy in Pakistan on Friday. The US consulate in Pakistan to monitor their surroundings for possible demonstrations and suspicious activity. Washington on Thursday carried out a strike near Baghdad's international airport killing Soleimani, a US-designated terrorist, along with six others on the direction of President Donald Trump. The US had accused Soleimani of orchestrating several attacks on coalition bases in Iraq including the December 27 attack in which American and Iraqi personnel were killed.

US Embassy in Pakistan restricts travel of government personnel

Iran will respond to the United States killing of Iranian Quds force chief Qassem Soleimani "any time and in any manner", Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday (January 3).

Soleimani, a 62-year-old general who headed the overseas arm of the Revolutionary Guards, was regarded as the second most powerful figure in Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-qasem-soleimani-271974">Who is Qasem Soleimani?</a>

The commander was killed in an overnight air strike on a car convoy near Baghdad International Airport.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the strike aimed to disrupt an "imminent attack" that would have endangered Americans in the Middle East. Democratic critics called the Republican president reckless and said he had raised the risk of more violence in a dangerous region.

Speaking on State TV, Zarif said "we will not be involved in the US' smear campaigns and their blackmailing. We will give a proper response in any manner and time, we will, as stated by the Supreme Leader."

Khamenei earlier said harsh revenge awaited the "criminals" who killed Soleimani and his death would redouble resistance against the United States and Israel. He called for three days of national mourning. 
&nbsp;

Iran will respond to the United States killing of Iranian Quds force chief Qassem Soleimani "any time and in any manner", Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday (January 3).

Iran will respond to the United States killing of Iranian Quds force chief Qassem Soleimani "any time and in any manner", Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday (January 3). Soleimani, a 62-year-old general who headed the overseas arm of the Revolutionary Guards, was regarded as the second most powerful figure in Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Also read: Who is Qasem Soleimani? The commander was killed in an overnight air strike on a car convoy near Baghdad International Airport. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the strike aimed to disrupt an "imminent attack" that would have endangered Americans in the Middle East. Democratic critics called the Republican president reckless and said he had raised the risk of more violence in a dangerous region. Speaking on State TV, Zarif said "we will not be involved in the US' smear campaigns and their blackmailing. We will give a proper response in any manner and time, we will, as stated by the Supreme Leader." Khamenei earlier said harsh revenge awaited the "criminals" who killed Soleimani and his death would redouble resistance against the United States and Israel. He called for three days of national mourning.

Iran will respond to Soleimani killing 'any time, in any manner': Foreign Minister Zarif

Over a day after Iran's top commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-contributed-to-plotting-terror-attacks-in-new-delhi-london-trump-272027">Qasem Soleimani's assassination in US airstrikes</a>, the message from Iran's top leadership remains loud and clear.&nbsp;

From the Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, foreign minister Javad Zarif to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's top leaders have vowed to avenge <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-gather-in-baghdad-to-mourn-soleimani-others-killed-in-us-airstrike-272067">Soleimani's killing</a>&nbsp;but what possible options can Iran take and is military retaliation a possibility?&nbsp;

Regional conflict

This conflict is regional and both the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-accuses-europeans-of-not-being-helpful-after-us-strikes-272098">United States</a> and Iran will be looking to keep the confrontation within West Asia. Therefore, the American troops in West Asia are the most vulnerable at this point.

The US has its troops in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and in Iraq and Syria.&nbsp;

Iran, incidentally, has proxy forces that can strike these troops. The small regiment of troops in Syria are especially vulnerable considering Iran's clout in the country.

In Iraq, the pro-Iranian Shia militants, who are already in a tussle with the US, are a threat to the US troops.

US embassies and consulates

Other possible targets are US embassies and consulates. Earlier this week, the US embassy in Iraq was stormed by Shia militants. Iran's proxies in the neighbouring countries could possibly mount a similar attack.

The recent escalation has also put one particular group of nations uneasy - the American allies in West Asia. The likes of Israel and Saudi Arabia will be watching the developments closely.

For Iran, it wouldn't even require a policy change, as most US allies are sworn enemies of Iran too and they have the means to do it as well. The Hezbollah in Lebanon have mounted attacks on Israel and the Houthi rebels - backed by Iran - are staunch opponents of Saudi Arabia.

<img alt="Iran " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a63e78ed-ed6e-43db-a27a-673d0c16bce0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/iran%20oil.jpg" />

US citizens

American citizens abroad could be possible targets as well, therefore the travel advisories issued by the US.&nbsp;

One thing to understand is the clout that the Iranian proxies have in the neighbourhood.

The Hezbollah are major powerbrokers in Lebanon and the Shia militants in Iraq are integrated into their security forces.

Ports of entries like airports and seaports could be such areas where US citizens could be nabbed by pro-Iranian security forces.

Oil supply

Iran can strangle the world's oil supply. Iranian proxies have hit Saudi oil fields as recently as last September. However, the biggest threat is that of shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.

If the Iranian forces shut the Strait of Hormuz completely, it would put at stake as much as thirty per cent of the world's oil trade. This would starve not just the US but also American allies who are dependent on this oil supply chain.

<img alt="oil" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="129f6695-8efc-493a-b2df-6527ed0ed945" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oil.jpg" />

Cyberattack

Experts even hint at a possible cyberattack by Iran. Rouhani-led nation has stepped up its cyber arsenal. They have wiper malware that can infiltrate and destroy computer software.&nbsp;

The over-arching trend in the options available for Iran is the use of proxies. They give Iran a wider reach and also the option of plausible deniability.

Ironically, it was Qasem Soleimani who played a crucial role in creating this network of proxies in the first place and now, Iran could very well use his creation to avenge his death.

Over a day after Iran's top commander Qasem Soleimani's assassination in US airstrikes, the message from Iran's top leadership remains loud and clear. From the Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, foreign minister Javad Zarif to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's top leaders have vowed to avenge Soleimani's killing but what possible options can Iran take and is military retaliation a possibility?

Over a day after Iran's top commander Qasem Soleimani's assassination in US airstrikes, the message from Iran's top leadership remains loud and clear. From the Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, foreign minister Javad Zarif to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's top leaders have vowed to avenge Soleimani's killing but what possible options can Iran take and is military retaliation a possibility? Regional conflict This conflict is regional and both the United States and Iran will be looking to keep the confrontation within West Asia. Therefore, the American troops in West Asia are the most vulnerable at this point. The US has its troops in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and in Iraq and Syria. Iran, incidentally, has proxy forces that can strike these troops. The small regiment of troops in Syria are especially vulnerable considering Iran's clout in the country. In Iraq, the pro-Iranian Shia militants, who are already in a tussle with the US, are a threat to the US troops. US embassies and consulates Other possible targets are US embassies and consulates. Earlier this week, the US embassy in Iraq was stormed by Shia militants. Iran's proxies in the neighbouring countries could possibly mount a similar attack. The recent escalation has also put one particular group of nations uneasy - the American allies in West Asia. The likes of Israel and Saudi Arabia will be watching the developments closely. For Iran, it wouldn't even require a policy change, as most US allies are sworn enemies of Iran too and they have the means to do it as well. The Hezbollah in Lebanon have mounted attacks on Israel and the Houthi rebels - backed by Iran - are staunch opponents of Saudi Arabia. US citizens American citizens abroad could be possible targets as well, therefore the travel advisories issued by the US. One thing to understand is the clout that the Iranian proxies have in the neighbourhood. The Hezbollah are major powerbrokers in Lebanon and the Shia militants in Iraq are integrated into their security forces. Ports of entries like airports and seaports could be such areas where US citizens could be nabbed by pro-Iranian security forces. Oil supply Iran can strangle the world's oil supply. Iranian proxies have hit Saudi oil fields as recently as last September. However, the biggest threat is that of shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. If the Iranian forces shut the Strait of Hormuz completely, it would put at stake as much as thirty per cent of the world's oil trade. This would starve not just the US but also American allies who are dependent on this oil supply chain. Cyberattack Experts even hint at a possible cyberattack by Iran. Rouhani-led nation has stepped up its cyber arsenal. They have wiper malware that can infiltrate and destroy computer software. The over-arching trend in the options available for Iran is the use of proxies. They give Iran a wider reach and also the option of plausible deniability. Ironically, it was Qasem Soleimani who played a crucial role in creating this network of proxies in the first place and now, Iran could very well use his creation to avenge his death.

Qasem Soleimani's killing: What options does Iran have to avenge top commander's assassination

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson may feel the heat of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/soleimanis-killing-how-was-the-operation-carried-out-and-what-are-the-consequences-272077">Iran's top commander Qasem Soleimani's killing</a> and cut short his ongoing Caribbean vacation.&nbsp;

British media reports that the UK was not intimated by the US on Baghdad Airport airstrikes that killed Iran Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom has around 400 troops stationed in the Middle East and works along with the American forces in the region.&nbsp;

In Johnson's absence, British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab issued a statement on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-contributed-to-plotting-terror-attacks-in-new-delhi-london-trump-272027">Soleimani's killing</a> and called for de-escalation, adding that further conflict is not in UK's interest.&nbsp;

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"We have always recognised the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qasem Soleimani. Following his death, we urge all parties to de-escalate. Further conflict is in none of our interests," Raab said as reported by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, opposition Labour Party's leader Jeremy Corbyn slammed the United States for Soleimani's killing calling it "belligerent actions and rhetoric coming from the United States".&nbsp;

UK PM Johnson has been enjoying a vacation in the Caribbean ahead of the resumption of Parliament's winter recess.

&nbsp;(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson may feel the heat of Iran's top commander Qasem Soleimani's killing and cut short his ongoing Caribbean vacation. British media reports that the UK was not intimated by the US on Baghdad Airport airstrikes that killed Iran Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson may feel the heat of Iran's top commander Qasem Soleimani's killing and cut short his ongoing Caribbean vacation. British media reports that the UK was not intimated by the US on Baghdad Airport airstrikes that killed Iran Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3. The United Kingdom has around 400 troops stationed in the Middle East and works along with the American forces in the region. In Johnson's absence, British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab issued a statement on Soleimani's killing and called for de-escalation, adding that further conflict is not in UK's interest. × "We have always recognised the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qasem Soleimani. Following his death, we urge all parties to de-escalate. Further conflict is in none of our interests," Raab said as reported by news agency Reuters. Meanwhile, opposition Labour Party's leader Jeremy Corbyn slammed the United States for Soleimani's killing calling it "belligerent actions and rhetoric coming from the United States". UK PM Johnson has been enjoying a vacation in the Caribbean ahead of the resumption of Parliament's winter recess. (With inputs from Reuters)

Soleimani's killing: UK PM Boris Johnson under pressure to cut short Caribbean vacation? 

Soleimani's killing: How was the operation carried out and what are the consequences?

US&nbsp;citizens working for foreign&nbsp;oil&nbsp;companies in the southern&nbsp;Iraqi city of Basra were leaving the country on Friday, the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;ministry said after&nbsp;a&nbsp;US&nbsp;airstrike&nbsp;killed a top&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-after-us-strike-kills-iranian-general-271775">Iranian&nbsp;commander</a> in&nbsp;Iraq.

Hours&nbsp;after&nbsp;the killing of&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;Quds&nbsp;Force&nbsp;leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-commander-of-quds-force-to-replace-soleimani-irans-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-271905">Qassem Soleimani</a> and&nbsp;Iraqi militia commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-head-of-group-irans-quds-force-head-qasem-soleimani-killed-hashed-al-shaabi-271762">Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis</a>, who was with him, the&nbsp;US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad urged all its citizens to&nbsp;leave&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;immediately.

Iraqi officials said the evacuation would not affect&nbsp;oil&nbsp;operations, production or exports from the country, the second-biggest producer in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-tumble-ahead-of-opec-meeting-global-stocks-fall-265363">Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries</a> with the output of about 4.62 million barrels per day (BPD), according to a&nbsp;survey of OPEC output.

Oil&nbsp;company sources told&nbsp;earlier on Friday that dozens of foreign&nbsp;workers&nbsp;were expected to fly out of the country. A&nbsp;witness saw a number of foreigners, including&nbsp;US&nbsp;citizens, queuing at Basra&nbsp;airport and described the atmosphere as relaxed.

Some were travelling to Dubai on&nbsp;airline FlyDubai and others were checking in at the Qatar&nbsp;Airways counter.

A spokesman for BP, which operates the giant Rumaila&nbsp;oil&nbsp;field near Basra, declined to comment. Rumaila produced around 1.5 million BPD as recently as April.

Italian energy group Eni&nbsp;said the Zubair&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-lock-down-oil-field-call-strike-270855">oil&nbsp;field</a>, which produced around 475,000 BPD in 2018, was "proceeding regularly", adding it was closely monitoring the situation.

US&nbsp;major Exxon Mobil declined to comment on whether it was evacuating staff but said the production "continues&nbsp;normally" at its West Qurna 1&nbsp;oil&nbsp;concession in the south of the country near the&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;border.

"We continue to watch the situation closely," a spokeswoman said.

Exxon removed around 60 foreign staff from West Qurna last May&nbsp;after&nbsp;attacks near its&nbsp;oil&nbsp;facilities. The employees returned about two weeks later&nbsp;after&nbsp;the government agreed to provide additional security.

Schlumberger, which also works in southern&nbsp;Iraq, is evaluating the security situation, a spokesman said, declining to comment on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;call for citizens to evacuate. Last year it won a two-year contract to drill 40 wells for Basra&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;Co.

Ian Bryant, chief executive of Canadian&nbsp;oilfield company Packers Plus, said he was "more concerned than ever" about the safety of their staff in&nbsp;Iraq, adding he was worried that&nbsp;US, British and Canadian citizens might get caught up in any unrest.

Genel, an&nbsp;oil&nbsp;producer in the autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern&nbsp;Iraq, said its operations were continuing normally. It did not comment on any staff movements.

Gulf Keystone Petroleum, which also operates in Kurdistan, said "while these events are taking place ... Gulf Keystone is closely monitoring the situation and operations at (the Shaikan field) are carrying on as per usual".

US citizens working for foreign oil companies in the southern Iraqi city of Basra were leaving the country on Friday, the oil ministry said after a US airstrike killed a top Iranian commander in Iraq.

US citizens working for foreign oil companies in the southern Iraqi city of Basra were leaving the country on Friday, the oil ministry said after a US airstrike killed a top Iranian commander in Iraq. Hours after the killing of Iranian Quds Force leader Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was with him, the US embassy in Baghdad urged all its citizens to leave Iraq immediately. Iraqi officials said the evacuation would not affect oil operations, production or exports from the country, the second-biggest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries with the output of about 4.62 million barrels per day (BPD), according to a survey of OPEC output. Oil company sources told earlier on Friday that dozens of foreign workers were expected to fly out of the country. A witness saw a number of foreigners, including US citizens, queuing at Basra airport and described the atmosphere as relaxed. Some were travelling to Dubai on airline FlyDubai and others were checking in at the Qatar Airways counter. A spokesman for BP, which operates the giant Rumaila oil field near Basra, declined to comment. Rumaila produced around 1.5 million BPD as recently as April. Italian energy group Eni said the Zubair oil field, which produced around 475,000 BPD in 2018, was "proceeding regularly", adding it was closely monitoring the situation. US major Exxon Mobil declined to comment on whether it was evacuating staff but said the production "continues normally" at its West Qurna 1 oil concession in the south of the country near the Iranian border. "We continue to watch the situation closely," a spokeswoman said. Exxon removed around 60 foreign staff from West Qurna last May after attacks near its oil facilities. The employees returned about two weeks later after the government agreed to provide additional security. Schlumberger, which also works in southern Iraq, is evaluating the security situation, a spokesman said, declining to comment on the US call for citizens to evacuate. Last year it won a two-year contract to drill 40 wells for Basra Oil Co. Ian Bryant, chief executive of Canadian oilfield company Packers Plus, said he was "more concerned than ever" about the safety of their staff in Iraq, adding he was worried that US, British and Canadian citizens might get caught up in any unrest. Genel, an oil producer in the autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq, said its operations were continuing normally. It did not comment on any staff movements. Gulf Keystone Petroleum, which also operates in Kurdistan, said "while these events are taking place ... Gulf Keystone is closely monitoring the situation and operations at (the Shaikan field) are carrying on as per usual".

US oil workers leave Iraq after air strike on Iranian leader Qassem Soleimani

'He is James Bond, Rommel and Lady Gaga rolled into one': Soleimani was featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people

Rose McGowan, who was one of the first women to speak out against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has issued an apology to Iran over General Qaseem Soleimani's s death.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The actress has been a strong critic of US President Donald Trump and on Friday tweeted an apology to Iran as its top military general was killed in an airstrike conducted by the USA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a>, The USA has disrespected your country, your flag, your people. 52% of us humbly apologize. We want peace with your nation. We are being held hostage by a terrorist regime. We do not know how to escape. Please do not kill us. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Soleimani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Soleimani</a> <a href="https://t.co/YE54CqGCdr">pic.twitter.com/YE54CqGCdr</a>
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) <a href="https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/1212976832544460801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Her Tweets read, "Dear #Iran, The USA has disrespected your country, your flag, your people. 52% of us humbly apologize. We want peace with your nation. We are being held hostage by a terrorist regime. We do not know how to escape. Please do not kill us. #Soleimani,".&nbsp;

The US Department of Defence has confirmed that Trump had ordered the attack that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Eat shit. <a href="https://t.co/l2aN7iF6r6">https://t.co/l2aN7iF6r6</a>
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) <a href="https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/1212978209270194176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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several of McGowan's followers shot back at her on Twitter and accused the actress of doing drugs and asked her to take down the tweet or delete her account. McGowan responded to the tweets with other outrageous tweets written against America and Trump.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Thanks a lot, dickhead <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) <a href="https://twitter.com/rosemcgowan/status/1212977622994636800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier McGowan's Twitter account was suspended due to some offensive tweets&nbsp;that had allegedly violated the company’s privacy policy.&nbsp;

Rose McGowan, who was one of the first women to speak out against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has issued an apology to Iran over General Qaseem Soleimani's s death.

Rose McGowan, who was one of the first women to speak out against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has issued an apology to Iran over General Qaseem Soleimani's s death. The actress has been a strong critic of US President Donald Trump and on Friday tweeted an apology to Iran as its top military general was killed in an airstrike conducted by the USA. Dear #Iran, The USA has disrespected your country, your flag, your people. 52% of us humbly apologize. We want peace with your nation. We are being held hostage by a terrorist regime. We do not know how to escape. Please do not kill us. #Soleimani pic.twitter.com/YE54CqGCdr — rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) January 3, 2020 × Her Tweets read, "Dear #Iran, The USA has disrespected your country, your flag, your people. 52% of us humbly apologize. We want peace with your nation. We are being held hostage by a terrorist regime. We do not know how to escape. Please do not kill us. #Soleimani,". The US Department of Defence has confirmed that Trump had ordered the attack that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Eat shit. https://t.co/l2aN7iF6r6 — rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) January 3, 2020 × several of McGowan's followers shot back at her on Twitter and accused the actress of doing drugs and asked her to take down the tweet or delete her account. McGowan responded to the tweets with other outrageous tweets written against America and Trump. Thanks a lot, dickhead @realDonaldTrump — rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) January 3, 2020 × Earlier McGowan's Twitter account was suspended due to some offensive tweets that had allegedly violated the company’s privacy policy.

Rose McGowan tweets apology to Iran over Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani's death, says 'USA has disrespected your country

Reports have been claimed that head of the elite Quds Force & Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed late on Thursday in an airstrike on their convoy in Baghdad airport. #Baghdad #BaghdadAirport #QassemSoleimani #WION

Reports: Air strike on Baghdad airport, 8 killed including Iranian Major-General Soleimani

Gold and other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-hits-two-month-peak-on-dollar-weakness-us-strikes-270962">safe-haven</a>&nbsp;assets including Oil prices increased over&nbsp;$2 a barrel on Friday because of&nbsp;the US&nbsp;killing of a top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-attack-on-baghdad-airport-top-iran-commander-killed-271756">Iranian commander</a> in an airstrike in Iraq ratcheted up tensions between the two national powers.&nbsp;

Traders were clearly spooked. The death of Iranian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-ordered-action-against-irans-quds-force-commander-soleimani-us-department-of-defence-271773">Major-General Qassem Soleimani</a>, head of the elite Quds Force, prompted Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to vow revenge.

Europe's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-after-us-strike-kills-iranian-general-271775">stock markets</a> fell 0.5 per cent&nbsp;in early trading as hopes for a lengthy New Year rally vanished. Safe havens gained, with Japan's yen rising half a per cent to the dollar to a two-month high and the Swiss franc hitting its highest against the euro since September.

The Middle East-focused oil markets saw the most dramatic moves. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-steady-on-track-for-biggest-yearly-rise-since-2016-271227&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiN_7-hm-fmAhU0yzgGHRcGDn8QFjACegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0VUxWW0N1ASYhJBKQq-jha">Brent crude</a> futures jumped nearly $3 to $69.16 a barrel,&nbsp;also the highest since September,&nbsp;before easing back to $68.42.

"We are only into the third day of the new year, and a big fat dollop of geopolitical uncertainty has landed on investors' desks," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-climbs-to-three-month-high-poised-for-best-year-since-2010-271231">Jeffrey Halley</a>, senior market analyst for Asia Pacific at broker OANDA.

"I am struggling to see how an Iranian riposte will not occur," he said. "Oil installations and tankers were my first thoughts."

Soleimani's Quds Force and its paramilitary proxies, ranging from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">Lebanon's Hezbollah</a> to the PMF in Iraq, have ample means to mount a multi-pronged response.

In September, US&nbsp;officials blamed Iran for a missile and drone attack on oil installations of Saudi Aramco, the Saudi state energy giant and world's largest oil exporter. The Trump administration did not respond, beyond heated rhetoric and threats.

German Bunds and US&nbsp;Treasuries,&nbsp;the world's benchmark government bonds, caught a bid, too. Ten-year German yields, which move inversely to prices, fell further away from seven-month highs touched earlier in the week. US&nbsp;10-year yields fell 5 basis points to a three-week low.

The focus on geopolitics meant markets paid little attention to stronger-than-expected data from France, where inflation rose 1.6 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year in December, beating analyst expectations for a 1.4 per cent&nbsp;rise.

"Markets still remain quite thin after the holidays, but even in a regular session we would have seen a similar reaction," said Christian Lenk, a rates strategist at DZ Bank in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/german-court-bans-uber-services-via-rental-cars-in-germany-269165">Frankfurt</a>. "The repercussions from the airstrike are not clearly forecastable and tensions remain high in the region."

The airstrikes in Iraq also killed top Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. They came after US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday there were indications Iran or forces it backed might be planning additional attacks, after Iranian-backed demonstrators stormed the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad.

Gold, a traditional refuge for risk-averse investors, rose 1 per cent&nbsp;to a four-month high of $1,543.66. For the week, it has gained about 2 per cent, heading for a fourth consecutive weekly increase.

"After the recent escalations in geopolitical issues, we see a resistance level near the $1,575 level for the next week," said Jigar Trivedi, a commodities analyst at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-shares-slip-on-year-end-profit-booking-nifty-set-for-13-jump-in-2019-271230">Anand Rathi Shares</a> &amp; Stock Brokers in Mumbai.

Gold and other safe-haven assets including Oil prices increased over $2 a barrel on Friday because of the US killing of a top Iranian commander in an airstrike in Iraq ratcheted up tensions between the two national powers.

Gold and other safe-haven assets including Oil prices increased over $2 a barrel on Friday because of the US killing of a top Iranian commander in an airstrike in Iraq ratcheted up tensions between the two national powers. Traders were clearly spooked. The death of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, prompted Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to vow revenge. Europe's stock markets fell 0.5 per cent in early trading as hopes for a lengthy New Year rally vanished. Safe havens gained, with Japan's yen rising half a per cent to the dollar to a two-month high and the Swiss franc hitting its highest against the euro since September. The Middle East-focused oil markets saw the most dramatic moves. Brent crude futures jumped nearly $3 to $69.16 a barrel, also the highest since September, before easing back to $68.42. "We are only into the third day of the new year, and a big fat dollop of geopolitical uncertainty has landed on investors' desks," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst for Asia Pacific at broker OANDA. "I am struggling to see how an Iranian riposte will not occur," he said. "Oil installations and tankers were my first thoughts." Soleimani's Quds Force and its paramilitary proxies, ranging from Lebanon's Hezbollah to the PMF in Iraq, have ample means to mount a multi-pronged response. In September, US officials blamed Iran for a missile and drone attack on oil installations of Saudi Aramco, the Saudi state energy giant and world's largest oil exporter. The Trump administration did not respond, beyond heated rhetoric and threats. German Bunds and US Treasuries, the world's benchmark government bonds, caught a bid, too. Ten-year German yields, which move inversely to prices, fell further away from seven-month highs touched earlier in the week. US 10-year yields fell 5 basis points to a three-week low. The focus on geopolitics meant markets paid little attention to stronger-than-expected data from France, where inflation rose 1.6 per cent year-on-year in December, beating analyst expectations for a 1.4 per cent rise. "Markets still remain quite thin after the holidays, but even in a regular session we would have seen a similar reaction," said Christian Lenk, a rates strategist at DZ Bank in Frankfurt. "The repercussions from the airstrike are not clearly forecastable and tensions remain high in the region." The airstrikes in Iraq also killed top Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. They came after US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday there were indications Iran or forces it backed might be planning additional attacks, after Iranian-backed demonstrators stormed the US embassy in Baghdad. Gold, a traditional refuge for risk-averse investors, rose 1 per cent to a four-month high of $1,543.66. For the week, it has gained about 2 per cent, heading for a fourth consecutive weekly increase. "After the recent escalations in geopolitical issues, we see a resistance level near the $1,575 level for the next week," said Jigar Trivedi, a commodities analyst at Anand Rathi Shares & Stock Brokers in Mumbai.

Global Markets: Oil, gold, safe haven assets prices rose as US strike kills Iranian commander

Iran's supreme leader appointed assassinated commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-other-free-nations-will-take-revenge-for-soleimanis-killing-from-criminal-america-iran-president-hassan-rouhani-271885">Qassem Soleimani</a>'s deputy, Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, to replace him as head of the country's Quds Forces, Iranian media reported.

The force's programme "will be unchanged from the time of his predecessor," Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement published by state media.

In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-head-of-group-irans-quds-force-head-qasem-soleimani-killed-hashed-al-shaabi-271762">killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump</a>, State Department announced later.

So far Trump has not reacted on officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the US flag.

In response to the killing, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed revenge against "criminal America".

Watch:&nbsp;Oil price rises over 4% after US air strike kills Iranian military commander

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Rouhani also said that "Soleimani's martyrdom redoubled the determination to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values".

"There is no doubt that the great nation of Iran and the other free nations of the region will take revenge for this gruesome crime from criminal America," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's allies across the Middle East.

<img alt="Burning debris are seen on a road near Baghdad International Airport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="114b0408-f81d-4764-93ee-3d3f9b5c1206" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_8.jpg" />

Soleimani's "martyrdom ... by the aggressor and criminal America has saddened the heart of the nation of Iran and all the nations of the region," he said in a statement posted on the Iranian government website.

<img alt="Burning debris are seen on a road near Baghdad International Airport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8126062-da54-4b92-9ea0-a81f4dcfff94" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_12.jpg" />

His death had "redoubled the determination of the nation of Iran and other free nations to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values", said Rouhani.

Soleimani, who led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of the Revolutionary Guards and had a key role in fighting in Syria and Iraq, had acquired celebrity status at home and abroad. Over two decades he had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's supreme leader appointed assassinated commander Qassem Soleimani's deputy, Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, to replace him as head of the country's Quds Forces, Iranian media reported.

Iran's supreme leader appointed assassinated commander Qassem Soleimani's deputy, Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, to replace him as head of the country's Quds Forces, Iranian media reported. The force's programme "will be unchanged from the time of his predecessor," Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement published by state media. In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed. The killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump, State Department announced later. So far Trump has not reacted on officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the US flag. In response to the killing, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed revenge against "criminal America". Watch: Oil price rises over 4% after US air strike kills Iranian military commander × Rouhani also said that "Soleimani's martyrdom redoubled the determination to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values". "There is no doubt that the great nation of Iran and the other free nations of the region will take revenge for this gruesome crime from criminal America," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's allies across the Middle East. Soleimani's "martyrdom ... by the aggressor and criminal America has saddened the heart of the nation of Iran and all the nations of the region," he said in a statement posted on the Iranian government website. His death had "redoubled the determination of the nation of Iran and other free nations to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values", said Rouhani. Soleimani, who led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of the Revolutionary Guards and had a key role in fighting in Syria and Iraq, had acquired celebrity status at home and abroad. Over two decades he had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East. (With inputs from agencies)

After US killed Qassem Soleimani, Iran names deputy commander Esmail Qaani new Quds chief

Iran and other freedom-seeking countries in the region will take revenge for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-ordered-action-against-irans-quds-force-commander-soleimani-us-department-of-defence-271773">killing of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani</a>, President Hassan Rouhani said on Friday.

Rouhani also said that "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-head-of-group-irans-quds-force-head-qasem-soleimani-killed-hashed-al-shaabi-271762">Soleimani's martyrdom</a> redoubled the determination to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values".

"There is no doubt that the great nation of Iran and the other free nations of the region will take revenge for this gruesome crime from criminal America," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's allies across the Middle East.

Soleimani's "martyrdom ... by the aggressor and criminal America has saddened the heart of the nation of Iran and all the nations of the region," he said in a statement posted on the Iranian government website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-general-qassem-soleimani-271786">In pictures: Soleimani was featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people</a>

His death had "redoubled the determination of the nation of Iran and other free nations to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values", said Rouhani.

"This vile and cowardly act is another sign of America's desperation and weakness in the region," the president added.

Watch: Soleimani Killing - Iran security body calls urgent meeting

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In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed.

The killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump, State Department announced later.

So far Trump has not reacted on officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the&nbsp;US flag.

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<a href="https://t.co/VXeKiVzpTf">pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212924762827046918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warned of "harsh revenge" waiting for the "criminals" who killed Soleimani.&nbsp;

His death, though bitter, would double the motivation of the resistance against the United States and Israel, he said.

Soleimani led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. He played a key role during in fighting in Syria and Iraq.

For over two decades Soleimani&nbsp;had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East.

<img alt="Burning debris are seen on a road near Baghdad International Airport." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e459b8c8-29b6-4329-88e7-daa265ee220d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_7.jpg" />

Former Iraqi PM condemned the Soleimani's killing and said that it would light the "fuse of war".

"The assassination of an&nbsp;Iraqi military commander who holds an official position is considered aggression on&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;... and the liquidation of leading&nbsp;Iraqi figures or those from a brotherly country on&nbsp;Iraqi soil is a massive breach of sovereignty,"&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said.

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Abdul Mahdi, whose government has the backing of Iran, said in a statement the US airstrike was "a dangerous escalation that will light the fuse of a destructive war in&nbsp;Iraq, the region, and the world."

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran and other freedom-seeking countries in the region will take revenge for the killing of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani, President Hassan Rouhani said on Friday.

Iran and other freedom-seeking countries in the region will take revenge for the killing of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani, President Hassan Rouhani said on Friday. Rouhani also said that "Soleimani's martyrdom redoubled the determination to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values". "There is no doubt that the great nation of Iran and the other free nations of the region will take revenge for this gruesome crime from criminal America," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's allies across the Middle East. Soleimani's "martyrdom ... by the aggressor and criminal America has saddened the heart of the nation of Iran and all the nations of the region," he said in a statement posted on the Iranian government website. In pictures: Soleimani was featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people His death had "redoubled the determination of the nation of Iran and other free nations to stand against America's bullying and defend Islamic values", said Rouhani. "This vile and cowardly act is another sign of America's desperation and weakness in the region," the president added. Watch: Soleimani Killing - Iran security body calls urgent meeting × In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed. The killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump, State Department announced later. So far Trump has not reacted on officially on the killing but earlier in the Day he tweeted an image of the US flag. pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020 × Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also warned of "harsh revenge" waiting for the "criminals" who killed Soleimani. His death, though bitter, would double the motivation of the resistance against the United States and Israel, he said. Soleimani led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. He played a key role during in fighting in Syria and Iraq. For over two decades Soleimani had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East. Former Iraqi PM condemned the Soleimani's killing and said that it would light the "fuse of war". "The assassination of an Iraqi military commander who holds an official position is considered aggression on Iraq ... and the liquidation of leading Iraqi figures or those from a brotherly country on Iraqi soil is a massive breach of sovereignty," Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said. Abdul Mahdi, whose government has the backing of Iran, said in a statement the US airstrike was "a dangerous escalation that will light the fuse of a destructive war in Iraq, the region, and the world." (With inputs from agencies)

Will take revenge for Soleimani's killing from 'criminal America': Iran President Hassan Rouhani