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


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

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

Assassination of Qasim Soleimani: What we know so far

<p>The US Department of Defence said on Friday that US President Donald Trump ordered the killing of Iran Revolutionary Guards commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-head-of-group-irans-quds-force-head-qasem-soleimani-killed-hashed-al-shaabi-271762">Qasem Soleimani</a>.</p>

<p><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></p>

<p>"At the direction of the President, the US military has taken decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization," the US Department of defence said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch Video:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-air-strike-on-baghdad-airport-8-killed-including-iranian-major-general-soleimani-271758/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. General Soleimani and his Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more," it said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-military-strikes-in-iraq-stir-regional-hornets-nest-271866">Read Opinion:&nbsp;US military strikes in Iraq stir regional hornet’s nest</a></p>

<p>The Baghdad international airport was hit by at least three rockets just after midnight on Friday.</p>

<p><img alt="Burning debris are seen on a road near Baghdad International Airport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="06db0b17-b9ac-4728-bae6-c4b118d40740" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_5.jpg" /></p>

<p>As soon as the reports of the attack became public, US President Trump tweeted an image of the US flag.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/VXeKiVzpTf">pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf</a></p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212924762827046918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Shiite Hashed network blamed the US for the attack while declaring that the deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in the US strike.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-bears-responsibility-for-consequences-of-its-rogue-adventurism-iran-foreign-minister-zarif-on-soleimani-killing-271806">Also Read:&nbsp;US bears responsibility for consequences of rogue adventurism, says Iran</a></p>

<p>"He had orchestrated attacks on coalition bases in Iraq over the last several months – including the attack on December 27 – culminating in the death and wounding of additional American and Iraqi personnel. General Soleimani also approved the attacks on the US Embassy in Baghdad that took place this week," the US Defence Department said.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Another footage shows the vehicles which were attacked, convoy carrying powerful head of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a>’s Quds Force <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IRGC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IRGC</a> Qassem <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Soleimani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Soleimani</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iraqi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iraqi</a> militia commander Abu Mahdi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlMuhandis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlMuhandis</a> around <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/baghdadairport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#baghdadairport</a>.<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iraq?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iraq</a> <a href="https://t.co/hprFwKI2A2">pic.twitter.com/hprFwKI2A2</a></p>
— Ehab Al Obaidy (@Ehab8Alobaidy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ehab8Alobaidy/status/1212936328645677058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans. The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world," the US department of defence said.</p>

<p>Iran's foreign minister Javed Zarif said it was "an extremely dangerous and foolish escalation."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The US' act of international terrorism, targeting &amp; assassinating General Soleimani—THE most effective force fighting Daesh (ISIS), Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al—is extremely dangerous &amp; a foolish escalation.<br />
<br />
The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism.</p>
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1212946202280579073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism," foreign minister Zarif said in a Twitter post. The country declared three days of national mourning after&nbsp;Soleimani's death.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi summoned an official from the Swiss embassy which represents the US to condemn the killing of Soleimani.</p>

<p>"Following the assassination of General Soleimani by US forces, the Swiss charge d'affaires was summoned and Iran's serious condemnation was conveyed to him," Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.</p>

<p>"He was told that this is a clear instance of America's state terrorism and America's regime will be fully responsible for its consequences," Mousavi added.</p>


The US Department of Defence said on Friday that US President Donald Trump ordered the killing of Iran Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani. In Pictures: Soleimani was featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people "At the direction of the President, the US military has taken decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization," the US Department of defence said in a statement.

The US Department of Defence said on Friday that US President Donald Trump ordered the killing of Iran Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani. In Pictures: Soleimani was featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people "At the direction of the President, the US military has taken decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization," the US Department of defence said in a statement. Watch Video: "General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. General Soleimani and his Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more," it said. Read Opinion: US military strikes in Iraq stir regional hornet’s nest The Baghdad international airport was hit by at least three rockets just after midnight on Friday. As soon as the reports of the attack became public, US President Trump tweeted an image of the US flag. pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020 × The Shiite Hashed network blamed the US for the attack while declaring that the deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in the US strike. Also Read: US bears responsibility for consequences of rogue adventurism, says Iran "He had orchestrated attacks on coalition bases in Iraq over the last several months – including the attack on December 27 – culminating in the death and wounding of additional American and Iraqi personnel. General Soleimani also approved the attacks on the US Embassy in Baghdad that took place this week," the US Defence Department said. Another footage shows the vehicles which were attacked, convoy carrying powerful head of #Iran’s Quds Force #IRGC Qassem #Soleimani and #Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi #AlMuhandis around #baghdadairport. #Iraq pic.twitter.com/hprFwKI2A2 — Ehab Al Obaidy (@Ehab8Alobaidy) January 3, 2020 × "This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans. The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world," the US department of defence said. Iran's foreign minister Javed Zarif said it was "an extremely dangerous and foolish escalation." The US' act of international terrorism, targeting & assassinating General Soleimani—THE most effective force fighting Daesh (ISIS), Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al—is extremely dangerous & a foolish escalation. The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 3, 2020 × "The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism," foreign minister Zarif said in a Twitter post. The country declared three days of national mourning after Soleimani's death. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi summoned an official from the Swiss embassy which represents the US to condemn the killing of Soleimani. "Following the assassination of General Soleimani by US forces, the Swiss charge d'affaires was summoned and Iran's serious condemnation was conveyed to him," Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. "He was told that this is a clear instance of America's state terrorism and America's regime will be fully responsible for its consequences," Mousavi added.

Trump ordered killing of top Iranian general Soleimani in Iraq: US department of defence

A senior Iranian official said on Thursday (October 3) that Tehran had foiled a plot by Israeli and Arab agencies to assassinate Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force. Watch this video to know more.

Iran says it foiled plot to kill Quds Gen. Qassim Soleimani