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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philippines prepares for 'evacuation' of citizens in Middle East

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

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

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

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

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

Aftermath of Soleimani Killing

Breakdown of United States-Iran military capabilities

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

Oil prices top $70 a barrel amid West Asia conflict

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran

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

US-Iran conflict: Trump warns Iran of Major Retaliation

Beijing's growing influence may stroke US anxieties deeper as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-viral-pneumonia-infects-several-in-china-272495">China</a> on Monday hoped to expand its newly restored ties with the pacific state of&nbsp;strategic but mothballed Chinese space tracking station,&nbsp;Kiribati, as per reports.

A senior Chinese diplomat said Beijing was "open" to all sorts of projects in Kiribati, an ex-British colony made up mainly of atolls in the central Pacific, in waters dominated by the United States and its allies since World War Two.

Speaking to reporters after Chinese President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-violates-international-law-272517">Xi Jinping</a> met Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau in Beijing, the diplomat, Lu Kang, did not respond directly to a question about whether Beijing planned to reopen the space tracking station.

"A lot of ideas, a lot of initiatives for joint ventures are still on the way," said Lu, who heads the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs.

"So long as any ideas that could benefit both sides, especially both peoples on both sides, definitely China is open to these kinds of ideas," he said, without elaborating.

China's space program is overseen by the military, which has so far declined to comment on the Kiribati facility.

China and Kiribati restored diplomatic ties last year after the Pacific state cut them with Taiwan. China considers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rattles-sabre-and-offers-friendship-days-before-taiwans-elections-271145">Taiwan</a> merely a Chinese province, with no right to state-to-state relations, and refuses to maintain diplomatic ties with countries that recognize Taipei.

Kiribati had established diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2003, prompting the break with Beijing.

Up until then, China had operated a space tracking station in Kiribati, which played a role in tracking China's first manned space flight and is in a part of the world where the United States tests missiles and other military hardware.

A former Taiwanese ambassador to Kiribati, Abraham Chu, told Taiwan's Central News Agency last year that China had never fully removed the tracking station in Kiribati and that it "could come back at any time".

The Solomon Islands, another Pacific state, also switched to Beijing from Taipei last year, in a process watched with concern by Washington, which is wary of China's growing global clout.

Taiwan now has formal relations with just 15 countries, mostly small and poor nations in Latin America and the Pacific, including Nauru, Tuvalu, and Palau. China has signaled it is coming for the rest of Taiwan's allies.

Beijing's growing influence may stroke US anxieties deeper as China on Monday hoped to expand its newly restored ties with the pacific state of strategic but mothballed Chinese space tracking station, Kiribati, as per reports.

Beijing's growing influence may stroke US anxieties deeper as China on Monday hoped to expand its newly restored ties with the pacific state of strategic but mothballed Chinese space tracking station, Kiribati, as per reports. A senior Chinese diplomat said Beijing was "open" to all sorts of projects in Kiribati, an ex-British colony made up mainly of atolls in the central Pacific, in waters dominated by the United States and its allies since World War Two. Speaking to reporters after Chinese President Xi Jinping met Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau in Beijing, the diplomat, Lu Kang, did not respond directly to a question about whether Beijing planned to reopen the space tracking station. "A lot of ideas, a lot of initiatives for joint ventures are still on the way," said Lu, who heads the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs. "So long as any ideas that could benefit both sides, especially both peoples on both sides, definitely China is open to these kinds of ideas," he said, without elaborating. China's space program is overseen by the military, which has so far declined to comment on the Kiribati facility. China and Kiribati restored diplomatic ties last year after the Pacific state cut them with Taiwan. China considers Taiwan merely a Chinese province, with no right to state-to-state relations, and refuses to maintain diplomatic ties with countries that recognize Taipei. Kiribati had established diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2003, prompting the break with Beijing. Up until then, China had operated a space tracking station in Kiribati, which played a role in tracking China's first manned space flight and is in a part of the world where the United States tests missiles and other military hardware. A former Taiwanese ambassador to Kiribati, Abraham Chu, told Taiwan's Central News Agency last year that China had never fully removed the tracking station in Kiribati and that it "could come back at any time". The Solomon Islands, another Pacific state, also switched to Beijing from Taipei last year, in a process watched with concern by Washington, which is wary of China's growing global clout. Taiwan now has formal relations with just 15 countries, mostly small and poor nations in Latin America and the Pacific, including Nauru, Tuvalu, and Palau. China has signaled it is coming for the rest of Taiwan's allies.

China eyes increased ties with Kiribati, site of space tracking station

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

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

A gauge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Asian shares</a> was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks.

The United States detected a heightened state of alert by Iran's missile forces, as President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> warned the US&nbsp;would strike back, "perhaps in a disproportionate manner," if Iran attacked any American person or target.

Iraq's parliament on Sunday recommended all foreign troops be ordered out of the country after the US&nbsp;killing of a top Iranian military commander and an Iraqi militia leader.

Spot gold surged 1.5 per cent&nbsp;to $1,579.55 per ounce in jittery trade and reached its highest since April 2013.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-tumble-ahead-of-opec-meeting-global-stocks-fall-265363">Oil prices</a> added to their gains on fears any conflict in the region could disrupt global supplies.

Brent crude futures rose $1.46 to $70.06 a barrel, while US crude climbed $1.17 to $64.22.

"The risk of further escalation has clearly gone up&nbsp;given the direct attack on Iran, Iran's threat of retaliation and Trump's desire to look tough - posing the threat of higher oil prices," said Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP Capital.

"Historically though oil prices need to double to pose a severe threat to global growth and we are a long way from that."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-warns-he-may-hit-iraq-with-sanctions-272385/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan&nbsp;slipped 0.7 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei slid almost 2 per cent&nbsp;in a sour return from holiday, while E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500&nbsp; fell 0.5&nbsp;per cent in very choppy trade.

Chinese shares opened in the red too, with the blue-chip CSI300 index off a shade while Australian shares were off 0.4 per cent.

"Geopolitical tensions look like remaining elevated in the coming days, so lending support to oil prices and keeping risk asset markets on the defensive," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank.

Sovereign bonds benefited from the safety bid with yields on 10-year Treasuries down at 1.769&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;having fallen 10 basis points on Friday. Treasury futures gained 5-1/2 ticks.

In currency markets, the Japanese yen remained the favoured safe harbour courtesy of Japan's massive holdings of foreign assets. Investors assume Japanese funds would repatriate their money during a truly global crisis, pushing the yen higher.

On Monday, the dollar was last at 107.98 yen, after falling to a three-month trough of 107.78 earlier in the session. The euro likewise eased to 120.55 yen having hit a three-week low.

The dollar was steadier against the other majors, with the euro little changed at $1.1161. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was holding at 96.86.

The risk-sensitive currencies of Australia and New Zealand were on track for their fourth straight session of losses.

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

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

Gold, oil prices soar amid US-Iran tensions

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan&nbsp;will not&nbsp;take&nbsp;sides&nbsp;in the escalating&nbsp;confrontation&nbsp;between neighboring&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and the United States, its&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;minister&nbsp;said on Monday, following the killing of&nbsp;Iranian military commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-updates-on-iran-general-qassem-soleimanis-death-272457">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a&nbsp;US&nbsp;drone strike.

The killing puts&nbsp;Pakistan, which is majority Sunni Muslim but has a largely Shiite minority and is anxious to avoid any regional upheaval, in a sensitive position. An ally of Saudi Arabia, Tehran's arch regional foe,&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;has a complex relationship with&nbsp;Iran, with which it shares a long border.

Thousands of Shiite protesters marched in several&nbsp;Pakistani cities on Sunday to show solidarity with&nbsp;Iran. Some clashed with police in the southern city of Karachi when they attempted to march on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;consulate.

"We're clear that&nbsp;Pakistan's soil will not be used against any other state, and nor will&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;become a part of this regional conflict,"&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-calls-for-maximum-restraint-amid-west-asia-tensions-272497">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> told the upper house of parliament in a policy statement.

"Pakistan&nbsp;has&nbsp;taken a clear stance that&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;doesn't endorse any unilateral action," he said, in the government's first official response to the killing of Soleimani, the architect of efforts to extend&nbsp;Iran's influence across the region.

The killing has spurred fears of a major regional conflagration. On Monday hundreds of thousands of&nbsp;Iranians thronged Tehran's streets for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-be-a-war-crime-if-us-attacks-irans-cultural-sites-foreign-minister-zarif-272268">Soleimani's funeral</a> and his daughter said his death would bring a "dark day" for the United States.

"The Middle East was and is volatile and this region can’t afford another war. We are part of this region and when a fire erupts there,&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;can't escape," said Qureshi.

Pakistan&nbsp;is grappling with a severe economic crisis and facing heightened tensions with neighboring India. Its long land frontier with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is rife with cross-border militant activity.

Islamabad has also long had a tense relationship with the United States over the war in neighboring Afghanistan, where&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials have frequently accused it of supporting the Taliban, a charge&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;denies.

But it badly needs&nbsp;US&nbsp;support, both in handling its severe balance of payments problems and in dealing with its nuclear-armed neighbor India after the two came close to war last year.

Qureshi said he had discussed the regional situation with the&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministers of&nbsp;Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others.

Pakistan&nbsp;receives aid and buys&nbsp;much of its oil from Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, which is locked in a power struggle with Shiite&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;across a region where they back opposing&nbsp;sides&nbsp;in conflicts ranging from Syria to Yemen.

Qureshi said he feared Soleimani's death could trigger an&nbsp;upsurge in sectarian tensions, including in Afghanistan.

"We believe this could have a negative impact on Afghanistan, and that its peace process, where&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;has played an important role, could be affected and exploited by the spoilers," Qureshi said.

Pakistan will not take sides in the escalating confrontation between neighboring Iran and the United States, its foreign minister said on Monday, following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

Pakistan will not take sides in the escalating confrontation between neighboring Iran and the United States, its foreign minister said on Monday, following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike. The killing puts Pakistan, which is majority Sunni Muslim but has a largely Shiite minority and is anxious to avoid any regional upheaval, in a sensitive position. An ally of Saudi Arabia, Tehran's arch regional foe, Pakistan has a complex relationship with Iran, with which it shares a long border. Thousands of Shiite protesters marched in several Pakistani cities on Sunday to show solidarity with Iran. Some clashed with police in the southern city of Karachi when they attempted to march on the US consulate. "We're clear that Pakistan's soil will not be used against any other state, and nor will Pakistan become a part of this regional conflict," Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told the upper house of parliament in a policy statement. "Pakistan has taken a clear stance that Pakistan doesn't endorse any unilateral action," he said, in the government's first official response to the killing of Soleimani, the architect of efforts to extend Iran's influence across the region. The killing has spurred fears of a major regional conflagration. On Monday hundreds of thousands of Iranians thronged Tehran's streets for Soleimani's funeral and his daughter said his death would bring a "dark day" for the United States. "The Middle East was and is volatile and this region can’t afford another war. We are part of this region and when a fire erupts there, Pakistan can't escape," said Qureshi. Pakistan is grappling with a severe economic crisis and facing heightened tensions with neighboring India. Its long land frontier with Iran is rife with cross-border militant activity. Islamabad has also long had a tense relationship with the United States over the war in neighboring Afghanistan, where US officials have frequently accused it of supporting the Taliban, a charge Pakistan denies. But it badly needs US support, both in handling its severe balance of payments problems and in dealing with its nuclear-armed neighbor India after the two came close to war last year. Qureshi said he had discussed the regional situation with the foreign ministers of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others. Pakistan receives aid and buys much of its oil from Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, which is locked in a power struggle with Shiite Iran across a region where they back opposing sides in conflicts ranging from Syria to Yemen. Qureshi said he feared Soleimani's death could trigger an upsurge in sectarian tensions, including in Afghanistan. "We believe this could have a negative impact on Afghanistan, and that its peace process, where Pakistan has played an important role, could be affected and exploited by the spoilers," Qureshi said.

'Pakistan will not become part of US-Iran conflict': Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi

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

Trump warns he may hit Iraq with sanctions

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

Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike Friday near Baghdad international airport, shocking the Islamic republic. He was 62.

Iran: Thousands pay respect to Soleimani; Chants 'Death To America'

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

In a statement, the Iranian government said it would no longer limit the enrichment of uranium as stipulated under the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated with world powers.

Iran Ends Commitment to Nuclear Deal After General Soleimani Killing

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

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

us-1

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news

us 1