Iraq's parliament on January 5 backed Prime Minister's suggestion, which directs all foreign troops to be ordered out. #WION #Iraq #US

Iraq Parliament votes to expel US troops

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Sunday said that he spoke to Iran foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and added ''India remains deeply concerned about the levels of tension''. #WION #Iran #NuclearDeal #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #SJaishankar

India contacts West Asian nations amid escalating tensions

Iran's supreme leader appointed Esmail Qaani as the new head of the Foreign Operations arm of the Revolutionary Guard after its commander Qasem Soleimani, was killed on Friday in a US attack on Baghdad Airport. #EsmailQaani #QasemSoleimani #IranRevolutionaryGuard #US #WION

Who is 'Esmail Qaani' named as Soleimani's successor?

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. "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. #WION #Iran #NuclearDeal #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani

Iran to take 5th step back from Nuclear deal

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. #WION #Iran #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani

Impact on India as US-Iran tension escalates

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world. #WIONSpeedNews #WION

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 05, 2020

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. #WION #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #Iran

Iran: Thousands pay respect to Qasem Soleimani

Iranian Parliament MPs shouted "Death to America!" On Sunday during a session to discuss the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US military strike. #IranianParliament #QasemSoleimani

Iran MPs chant 'Death to America' as Soleimani's body brought back to Tehran

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; 
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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 

Democratic presidential contenders on Friday condemned the airstrike that killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, saying President Donald Trump's decision was reckless and could lead the United States to another war in the Middle East. #JoeBiden #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #DonaldTrump #WION

Trump's rivals to the White House condemn Iran strike, suggested to avoid war

It seems like the U.S. is not quite finished with its operations in West Asia. Reports have claimed that the U.S. launched fresh airstrikes on the northern part of Baghdad targeting a militia convoy. But, militia group claimed that airstrike targeted medics, not the senior leaders. #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #WION

Fresh airstrikes in North Baghdad, 6 killed & 3 injured

Qassem Soleimani, the former head of the elite force in Iran was killed in a US airstrike on January 3. It seems like the U.S. is not quite finished with its operations in West Asia. Reports have claimed that the U.S. launched fresh airstrikes on the northern part of Baghdad targeting a militia convoy. US President Donald Trump also said that the General Qasem Soleimani plotted attacks in Delhi & London, now the reign of his terror is over. #Iraq #IraqAirStrike #US #IranGeneral #Soleimani #QasemSoleimani

What are Iran's options for retaliation?

Protests in India over killing of General Qassem Soleimani

World reacts to killing Iran's Soleimani by the U.S. Mideast countries & Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned airstrikes by the United States on several bases belonging to an Iranian-backed militia group in Iraq and said the attack would have consequences. #WION #DonaldTrump #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran

World reacts to killing of Iran's Soleimani by U.S., Mideast countries condemn US strikes in Iraq

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 04, 2020

Basically, Quds force is also a part of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, IRGC helped Tehran fight proxy wars on the foreign soil. This force was formed on April 22, 1979. Iran shares close ties to supreme leader Khamenei. #IRGC #Iran #US #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #WION

Role of Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Iran-U.S. conflicts

It seems like the U.S. is not quite finished with its operations in West Asia. Reports have claimed that the U.S. launched fresh airstrikes on the northern part of Baghdad targeting a militia convoy. U.S. President Donald Trump said, "Qasem Soleimani has plotted attacks in Delhi & London, now the reign of his terror is over." #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #DonaldTrump #WION

Trump: Soleimani plotted attacks in Delhi & London, now reign of his terror is over

What will be the consequences of Iran's General Qasem Soleimani's killing?

The US&nbsp;Senate remained at a stalemate on Friday over how to proceed with the impeachment trial of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-ordered-action-against-irans-quds-force-commander-soleimani-us-department-of-defence-271773">President Donald Trump</a>, as the chamber's leaders wrangled over whether White House aides will be called as witnesses and the top Democrat appealed to a handful of Republicans who could help break the impasse.

After a two-week holiday recess, there was still no clarity about when Trump's impeachment trial might begin.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said that in any case the trial could not start without the articles of impeachment, which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet sent to the Senate.

The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted in December to impeach Trump for pressuring Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a potential rival in the 2020 presidential election.

A trial would be held in the Senate, and Trump is expected to be acquitted by the Republican-controlled chamber. But McConnell and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer have been at loggerheads since late last year over how it should be conducted.

McConnell said on Friday that once the Senate receives the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-schumer-outlines-documents-he-wants-for-impeachment-trial-269912">articles of impeachment</a> from the House, it could start the trial and resolve the dispute over witnesses "mid-trial." He said this would follow the precedent set in former President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial two decades ago. Clinton, a Democrat, was acquitted by the Senate.

"Just like 20 years ago," McConnell said, "we should address mid-trial questions such as witnesses after briefs, opening arguments, senator questions and other relevant motions."

Watch:&nbsp;Pelosi calls Trump threat to US&nbsp;in House debate before impeachment vote

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Setting 'a trap'

Schumer, speaking after McConnell, said the majority leader was trying to set a trap by waiting to consider witnesses until after opening presentations.

By that time, Schumer said, McConnell would want to wrap things up and would accuse Democrats of wanting to "drag the whole affair out" by calling witnesses. The witnesses Democrats want to call have not previously testified - unlike in the Clinton trial, Schumer said.

He has asked for testimony from Mick Mulvaney, the acting White House chief of staff, along with former national security adviser John Bolton and two other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-announces-partial-ban-on-flavored-e-cigarettes-271789">White House aides</a>.

"So if we don't get a commitment up front that the House managers will be able to call witnesses as part of their case, the Senate will act as little more than a nationally televised meeting of the 'Mock Trial Club,'" Schumer declared.

In an appeal to Republicans who may have concerns about McConnell's stance, Schumer also noted that a decision on the parameters of the trial "ultimately rests with a majority of the senators in this chamber."

Republicans have a 53-seat majority in the Senate, where 51 votes are needed to pass a set of rules for the Trump trial.

At least two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, expressed concerns over the holiday break about McConnell's approach to the trial after he said he was acting in "total coordination" with the White House and would not be an impartial juror.

The actual impeachment trial in the Senate would need a two-thirds majority vote for a conviction, requiring more than 20 Republicans to break with their party to remove the president.

Schumer said Trump administration correspondence released this week bolstered Democrats' case that Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine in an effort to pressure Kiev to investigate the Bidens.

The two Senate leaders spoke after a US&nbsp;air strike in Baghdad killed Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force and architect of its growing military influence in the Middle East. The attack was authorized by Trump, and Iran has promised harsh revenge.

Clinton ordered four days of bombing on Iraq in 1998 as he was facing an impeachment vote in the House. Those airstrikes delayed the vote, but did not prevent it.

The US Senate remained at a stalemate on Friday over how to proceed with the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, as the chamber's leaders wrangled over whether White House aides will be called as witnesses and the top Democrat appealed to a handful of Republicans who could help break the impasse.

The US Senate remained at a stalemate on Friday over how to proceed with the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, as the chamber's leaders wrangled over whether White House aides will be called as witnesses and the top Democrat appealed to a handful of Republicans who could help break the impasse. After a two-week holiday recess, there was still no clarity about when Trump's impeachment trial might begin. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said that in any case the trial could not start without the articles of impeachment, which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet sent to the Senate. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted in December to impeach Trump for pressuring Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a potential rival in the 2020 presidential election. A trial would be held in the Senate, and Trump is expected to be acquitted by the Republican-controlled chamber. But McConnell and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer have been at loggerheads since late last year over how it should be conducted. McConnell said on Friday that once the Senate receives the articles of impeachment from the House, it could start the trial and resolve the dispute over witnesses "mid-trial." He said this would follow the precedent set in former President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial two decades ago. Clinton, a Democrat, was acquitted by the Senate. "Just like 20 years ago," McConnell said, "we should address mid-trial questions such as witnesses after briefs, opening arguments, senator questions and other relevant motions." Watch: Pelosi calls Trump threat to US in House debate before impeachment vote Setting 'a trap' Schumer, speaking after McConnell, said the majority leader was trying to set a trap by waiting to consider witnesses until after opening presentations. By that time, Schumer said, McConnell would want to wrap things up and would accuse Democrats of wanting to "drag the whole affair out" by calling witnesses. The witnesses Democrats want to call have not previously testified - unlike in the Clinton trial, Schumer said. He has asked for testimony from Mick Mulvaney, the acting White House chief of staff, along with former national security adviser John Bolton and two other White House aides. "So if we don't get a commitment up front that the House managers will be able to call witnesses as part of their case, the Senate will act as little more than a nationally televised meeting of the 'Mock Trial Club,'" Schumer declared. In an appeal to Republicans who may have concerns about McConnell's stance, Schumer also noted that a decision on the parameters of the trial "ultimately rests with a majority of the senators in this chamber." Republicans have a 53-seat majority in the Senate, where 51 votes are needed to pass a set of rules for the Trump trial. At least two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, expressed concerns over the holiday break about McConnell's approach to the trial after he said he was acting in "total coordination" with the White House and would not be an impartial juror. The actual impeachment trial in the Senate would need a two-thirds majority vote for a conviction, requiring more than 20 Republicans to break with their party to remove the president. Schumer said Trump administration correspondence released this week bolstered Democrats' case that Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine in an effort to pressure Kiev to investigate the Bidens. The two Senate leaders spoke after a US air strike in Baghdad killed Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force and architect of its growing military influence in the Middle East. The attack was authorized by Trump, and Iran has promised harsh revenge. Clinton ordered four days of bombing on Iraq in 1998 as he was facing an impeachment vote in the House. Those airstrikes delayed the vote, but did not prevent it.

Trump impeachment row: US Senate in stalemate over how to proceed

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

While the killing of Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani is going to have magnitudes of repercussions on west Asia and the United States foreign policy. One of these developments wider implications could be a message to North Korea. As North Korea is another foreign power since the Trump administration has missed no opportunity to aggravate the United States efforts to get the country to denuclearize. Denuclearization of Iran was the cornerstone of the Obama era administration. #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #WION

Ayatollah Khamenei vows 'severe revenge' after Soleimani killed by U.S.

Did Soleimani plot attacks in India?

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces performed the last rites for Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Iranian Major-General Qasem Soleimani, top commanders of the Revolutionary Guards' elite force, who were killed in a US airstrike late Thursday with their convoy at Baghdad Airport. #SoleimaniFuneral #Iraq #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #DonaldTrump #WION

Iraq perform last rites for commanders killed in U.S. air strike

On Saturday at the Holy Shrine of Imam Moussa al-Qadim in Baghdad, Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and the head of the elite force Irani Major-General Kasli Soleimani were cremated, both of them were in Baghdad on Friday when they were killed in US drone attack outside the airport. #SoleimaniFuneral #Iraq #QasemSoleimani #Soleimani #US #Iran #DonaldTrump #WION

Funeral procession attended by hundreds of people, held Iraqi flags to honour chief

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