US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on Wednesday (January 28), during a Senate hearing, said that there is no clear answer to who would assume power in Iran if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were removed, warning that any transition would be highly complex and potentially destabilising. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio said Iran’s political system is deeply entrenched and divided among the supreme leader, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and quasi-elected officials who ultimately remain subordinate to Khamenei.&nbsp;“No one knows what would take over,” Rubio said, describing the uncertainty surrounding a potential collapse of Iran’s current leadership. He added that any succession scenario would be “far more complex” than past US efforts involving regime pressure elsewhere, including Venezuela. Rubio emphasized that Iran’s long-standing power structure would make any transition difficult to predict or manage, requiring “a lot of careful thinking” if such a scenario were ever to arise. The secretary of state also suggested the United States should be prepared to take preemptive military action to protect American forces and allies in the Middle East, citing Iran’s growing military capabilities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-you-couldn-t-make-a-deal-with-this-guy-says-marco-rubio-at-senate-hearing-on-nicolas-maduro-s-capture-1769618389528">'You couldn’t make a deal with this guy', says Marco Rubio at Senate hearing on Nicolas Maduro’s capture</a>&nbsp;“I think it’s wise and prudent to have a force posture within the region that could respond and potentially, if necessary, preemptively prevent an attack against thousands of American servicemen and other facilities in the region and our allies,” Rubio told the committee. While stressing that he hoped military action would not be necessary, Rubio argued that Iran has amassed the ability to carry out attacks that could threaten US personnel and regional stability.<h2>Ukraine security guarantees depend on US backstop: Rubio</h2>US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday (January 28) said that proposed security guarantees for Ukraine rely heavily on the presence of US support, even as discussions focus on deploying British and French troops. Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio said there is broad agreement among allies that Ukraine will require security assurances, but noted that current proposals largely involve a limited European military presence backed by the United States.&nbsp;“There’s a lot of talk about security guarantees,” Rubio said, explaining that plans under discussion center on “a handful of European troops, primarily from France and the United Kingdom, and then a US backstop,” Rubio stressed that such guarantees would be ineffective without strong American involvement, arguing that many NATO allies have failed to adequately invest in their own defense capabilities over the past two to three decades.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-s-latest-missile-test-blurs-artillery-ballistic-line-1769620869959/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-s-latest-missile-test-blurs-artillery-ballistic-line-1769620869959/embed</a>&nbsp;“I’m not diminishing the fact that some countries in Europe are willing to place troops in a post-war Ukraine,” he said. “What I’m pointing out is that it is irrelevant without the US backstop.” The secretary of state said the need for American support highlights long-standing shortcomings within NATO, though he expressed hope that the trend is beginning to change. “Our allies and partners have not invested enough in their own defense capabilities over the last 20 or 30 years,” Rubio said, adding that some countries are now increasing defense spending and military readiness.

‘No one knows what would take over’: Marco Rubio during Senate hearing warns Iran leadership collapse might spark complex US response

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on Wednesday (January 28), during a Senate hearing, said that there is no clear answer to who would assume power in Iran if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were removed, warning that any transition would be highly complex and potentially destabilising. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio said Iran’s political system is deeply entrenched and divided among the supreme leader, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and quasi-elected officials who ultimately remain subordinate to Khamenei. “No one knows what would take over,” Rubio said, describing the uncertainty surrounding a potential collapse of Iran’s current leadership. He added that any succession scenario would be “far more complex” than past US efforts involving regime pressure elsewhere, including Venezuela. Rubio emphasized that Iran’s long-standing power structure would make any transition difficult to predict or manage, requiring “a lot of careful thinking” if such a scenario were ever to arise. The secretary of state also suggested the United States should be prepared to take preemptive military action to protect American forces and allies in the Middle East, citing Iran’s growing military capabilities. Also Read: 'You couldn’t make a deal with this guy', says Marco Rubio at Senate hearing on Nicolas Maduro’s capture “I think it’s wise and prudent to have a force posture within the region that could respond and potentially, if necessary, preemptively prevent an attack against thousands of American servicemen and other facilities in the region and our allies,” Rubio told the committee. While stressing that he hoped military action would not be necessary, Rubio argued that Iran has amassed the ability to carry out attacks that could threaten US personnel and regional stability. Ukraine security guarantees depend on US backstop: Rubio US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday (January 28) said that proposed security guarantees for Ukraine rely heavily on the presence of US support, even as discussions focus on deploying British and French troops. Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio said there is broad agreement among allies that Ukraine will require security assurances, but noted that current proposals largely involve a limited European military presence backed by the United States. “There’s a lot of talk about security guarantees,” Rubio said, explaining that plans under discussion center on “a handful of European troops, primarily from France and the United Kingdom, and then a US backstop,” Rubio stressed that such guarantees would be ineffective without strong American involvement, arguing that many NATO allies have failed to adequately invest in their own defense capabilities over the past two to three decades. https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-s-latest-missile-test-blurs-artillery-ballistic-line-1769620869959/embed “I’m not diminishing the fact that some countries in Europe are willing to place troops in a post-war Ukraine,” he said. “What I’m pointing out is that it is irrelevant without the US backstop.” The secretary of state said the need for American support highlights long-standing shortcomings within NATO, though he expressed hope that the trend is beginning to change. “Our allies and partners have not invested enough in their own defense capabilities over the last 20 or 30 years,” Rubio said, adding that some countries are now increasing defense spending and military readiness.

Marco Rubio told the Senate that the US must prepare for uncertain outcomes if Iran’s leadership falls, and said preemptive military options may be needed

The US has announced plans to hold multi-day military exercises in the Middle East as it deploys what Donald Trump has called an “armada” led by the USS Abraham Lincoln to the region as part of a tense standoff with Iran.

US-Iran Tensions: Trump Claims Iran Wants to Talk for a Deal 

The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and supporting warships to Middle Eastern waters amid tensions with Iran following its crackdown on anti-government demonstrations. Tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high following Iran's crackdown on protestors. 

US-Iran Tensions: USS Abraham Enters West Asia Amid Iran Tensions

The USS Abraham Lincoln carries a formidable air wing of up to 90 aircraft, including the F-35C, but never the F-22 Raptor. The Raptor lacks the structural strength for catapult launches and arrested landings. Its delicate stealth coating cannot survive sea conditions. 

The USS Abraham Lincoln carries a formidable air wing of up to 90 aircraft, including the F-35C, but never the F-22 Raptor. The Raptor lacks the structural strength for catapult launches and arrested landings. Its delicate stealth coating cannot survive sea conditions.&nbsp;

‘90 aircraft but no F-22 Raptors’: Why USS Abraham Lincoln cannot operate the twin engine fighter jet?

At the centre of the deployment is the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). The 1,32,000 tons US Navy hardware is steaming towards the Middle east. 

At the centre of the deployment is the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). The 1,32,000 tons US Navy hardware is steaming towards the Middle east.&nbsp;

F-15s, warships and USS Abraham Lincoln: What military assets has US deployed as Iran tensions rise?

Iran is building a nuclear facility 100 metres deep near Natanz, surpassing the reach of standard Israeli bunker busters like the GBU-28. Without the US heavy GBU-57 bomb, Israel may rely on complex drilling tactics or surface strikes.

Iran is building a nuclear facility 100 metres deep near Natanz, surpassing the reach of standard Israeli bunker busters like the GBU-28. Without the US heavy GBU-57 bomb, Israel may rely on complex drilling tactics or surface strikes.

Iran’s deepest bunker: Are Israel’s missiles capable of penetrating it?

 The US AIM-260 JATM outperforms Iran's Fakour-90 with superior guidance, stealth compatibility, and agility. While both reach Mach 5, the American missile offers a tactical edge in modern combat scenarios.

&nbsp;The US AIM-260 JATM outperforms Iran's Fakour-90 with superior guidance, stealth compatibility, and agility. While both reach Mach 5, the American missile offers a tactical edge in modern combat scenarios.

US AIM-260 vs Iran’s Fakour-90: Which long-range air-to-air missile is faster?

Iran has responded with symbolic defiance. A new mural unveiled in central Tehran depicts damaged aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier, accompanied by the warning: “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.” 

Iran has responded with symbolic defiance. A new mural unveiled in central Tehran depicts damaged aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier, accompanied by the warning: “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.”

What are Trump’s limited but dangerous options in Iran?

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was transferred to a fortified underground site in Tehran, over concerns of a possible American attack. 


US-Iran Tensions: Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Moved to Underground Facility

Amid flaring tensions between the United States and Iran, at least two European airlines cancelled flights to the Middle East on Friday (Jan 23). Air France said that it was temporarily halting services to Dubai, citing the geopolitical situation in the region. Dutch airline KLM also halted its flights to cities in the Middle East until further notice, adding that it would not fly through the airspace of several countries in the region, including Iran and Iraq. Meanwhile, Germany’s Lufthansa airline had earlier stated that it will not operate flights “from and to Tehran up to and including March 29.”The flight disruptions come after US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 22) threatened that a US “armada” was heading towards the Gulf, adding that Washington was watching Iran closely despite Tehran’s suspension of planned executions of protesters amid its government’s crackdown. Meanwhile, Trump also suggested Iran was willing to talk while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he unveiled an international ‘Board of Peace’.“Due to the current situation in the Middle East, the company has decided to temporarily suspend its service to Dubai,” France’s national carrier said in a statement to AFP.The airline added it was “constantly monitoring the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft” to ensure “the highest level of safety and security” while operating flights. “Air France is monitoring the situation in real time and will provide further updates on its flight schedule,” the French airline said.Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported on Friday that KLM said that it had suspended its flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh until further notice, without proving reason behind the decision. It added that it would not fly through the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel and several other Gulf nations. The airline said that it was in touch with Dutch authorities.What did Trump say?“We’re watching Iran,” Trump said while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Washington from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “We have a lot of ships going that direction just in case. We have a big flotilla going in that direction. And we’ll see what happens.” Trump said.Claiming the credit for stopping hundreds of executions in Iran amid the violent protests that killed thousands, Trump said, “We have a big force going toward Iran. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely. I stopped 837 hangings on Thursday. They would have been dead. Everyone would have been hung. This is like from 1,000 years ago.”He further added, “We have an armada. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it. We’ll see.”

Major European airlines, including Air France and KLM, suspended flights to parts of the Middle East citing security concerns as US-Iran tensions rose after President Donald Trump warned that a US “armada” was heading toward the Gulf.

Amid flaring tensions between the United States and Iran, at least two European airlines cancelled flights to the Middle East on Friday (Jan 23). Air France said that it was temporarily halting services to Dubai, citing the geopolitical situation in the region. Dutch airline KLM also halted its flights to cities in the Middle East until further notice, adding that it would not fly through the airspace of several countries in the region, including Iran and Iraq. Meanwhile, Germany’s Lufthansa airline had earlier stated that it will not operate flights “from and to Tehran up to and including March 29.” The flight disruptions come after US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 22) threatened that a US “armada” was heading towards the Gulf, adding that Washington was watching Iran closely despite Tehran’s suspension of planned executions of protesters amid its government’s crackdown. Meanwhile, Trump also suggested Iran was willing to talk while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he unveiled an international ‘Board of Peace’. “Due to the current situation in the Middle East, the company has decided to temporarily suspend its service to Dubai,” France’s national carrier said in a statement to AFP. The airline added it was “constantly monitoring the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft” to ensure “the highest level of safety and security” while operating flights. “Air France is monitoring the situation in real time and will provide further updates on its flight schedule,” the French airline said. Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported on Friday that KLM said that it had suspended its flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh until further notice, without proving reason behind the decision. It added that it would not fly through the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel and several other Gulf nations. The airline said that it was in touch with Dutch authorities. What did Trump say? “We’re watching Iran,” Trump said while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Washington from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “We have a lot of ships going that direction just in case. We have a big flotilla going in that direction. And we’ll see what happens.” Trump said. Claiming the credit for stopping hundreds of executions in Iran amid the violent protests that killed thousands, Trump said, “We have a big force going toward Iran. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely. I stopped 837 hangings on Thursday. They would have been dead. Everyone would have been hung. This is like from 1,000 years ago.” He further added, “We have an armada. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it. We’ll see.”

Major European airlines, including Air France and KLM, suspended flights to parts of the Middle East, citing security concerns as US-Iran tensions rose after President Donald Trump warned that a US “armada” was heading toward the Gulf.

Airlines cancel flights to Middle East after Trump’s ‘armada’ warning to Iran – What’s happening?

After repeated threats of military strikes by the United States, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday (Jan 18) warned that any attack on the country's supreme leader Aytollah Ali Khamenei, would be considered a declaration of war with the Islamic Republic. These comments came a day after US President Donald Trump called for an end to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s 37-year reign.&nbsp;"An attack on the great leader of our country is tantamount to a full-scale war with the Iranian nation," Pezeshkian said in a post on X in an apparent response to US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;On Saturday, Trump, in an interview with Politico, said, “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran,” accusing Khamenei of killing thousands of people to keep control over power.&nbsp;“What he is guilty of, as the leader of a country, is the complete destruction of the country and the use of violence at levels never seen before,” he said, adding, “To keep the country functioning, even though that function is a very low level, the leadership should focus on running its country properly, as I do with the United States, and not killing people by the thousands to keep control.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-s-macron-seeks-eu-action-under-anti-coercion-instrument-against-trump-tariffs-report-1768743186357">French President Macron seeks EU action under anti-coercion instrument against Trump tariffs over Greenland: Report</a>&nbsp;Trump made these remarks after Khamenei, 86, blamed the United States for fueling unrest in Iran. He accused the US and Israel of killing several thousand people during weeks of anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;“Those linked to Israel and the US caused massive damage and killed several thousand” during the protests that convulsed Iran for more than two weeks, Khamenei said.While the Supreme Leader for the first time accepted the deaths of thousands of people during protests, he described Donald Trump as a "criminal" for involvement in the demonstrations.&nbsp;“The latest anti-Iran sedition was different in that the US president personally became involved,” Iranian state media quoted him as saying. After the waves of anti-government protests, which began as small demonstrations in markets of Iran's capital city, Tehran, against the rising concerns over the cost of living and the raging economic crisis, eased, the authorities in the Islamic Republic restored some internet access, monitoring organisation Netblocks reported.&nbsp;"Traffic data indicate a significant return to some online services, including Google, suggesting that heavily filtered access has been enabled, corroborating user reports of partial restoration," Netblocks said in a social media post.

The warning from the Iranian President comes a day after US President Donald Trump asserted that it's time to look beyond Ayatollah Khamenei's leadership. 

After repeated threats of military strikes by the United States, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday (Jan 18) warned that any attack on the country's supreme leader Aytollah Ali Khamenei, would be considered a declaration of war with the Islamic Republic. These comments came a day after US President Donald Trump called for an end to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s 37-year reign. "An attack on the great leader of our country is tantamount to a full-scale war with the Iranian nation," Pezeshkian said in a post on X in an apparent response to US President Donald Trump. On Saturday, Trump, in an interview with Politico, said, “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran,” accusing Khamenei of killing thousands of people to keep control over power. “What he is guilty of, as the leader of a country, is the complete destruction of the country and the use of violence at levels never seen before,” he said, adding, “To keep the country functioning, even though that function is a very low level, the leadership should focus on running its country properly, as I do with the United States, and not killing people by the thousands to keep control.” Also Read: French President Macron seeks EU action under anti-coercion instrument against Trump tariffs over Greenland: Report Trump made these remarks after Khamenei, 86, blamed the United States for fueling unrest in Iran. He accused the US and Israel of killing several thousand people during weeks of anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic. “Those linked to Israel and the US caused massive damage and killed several thousand” during the protests that convulsed Iran for more than two weeks, Khamenei said. While the Supreme Leader for the first time accepted the deaths of thousands of people during protests, he described Donald Trump as a "criminal" for involvement in the demonstrations. “The latest anti-Iran sedition was different in that the US president personally became involved,” Iranian state media quoted him as saying. After the waves of anti-government protests, which began as small demonstrations in markets of Iran's capital city, Tehran, against the rising concerns over the cost of living and the raging economic crisis, eased, the authorities in the Islamic Republic restored some internet access, monitoring organisation Netblocks reported. "Traffic data indicate a significant return to some online services, including Google, suggesting that heavily filtered access has been enabled, corroborating user reports of partial restoration," Netblocks said in a social media post.

The warning from the Iranian President comes a day after US President Donald Trump asserted that it's time to look beyond Ayatollah Khamenei's leadership.&nbsp;

Attack on Ayatollah Khamenei would mean declaration of war, warns Iranian President

Iran's military capabilities, regional networks and internal dynamics mean that any attempt at a swift, low-cost strike would be far more complex and risky than operations conducted in Venezuela.

Iran's military capabilities, regional networks and internal dynamics mean that any attempt at a swift, low-cost strike would be far more complex and risky than operations conducted in Venezuela.

Why US cannot carry out a swift strike on Iran like it did in Venezuela

The United States stands by the “brave people of Iran,” and President Donald Trump "has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday.

Emergency UNSC Session on Iran as US Envoy Signals Options 

A senior UN official warned on Thursday that threats of military action against Iran, like those made by US President Donald Trump, increased "volatility" in the protest-torn country.

UN Official Says Threats to Iran Spike 'Volatility' | Trump Closely Monitoring Situation

Amid this unrest, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered his first public address since the demonstrations began, calling for unity and denouncing foreign influence, while addressing the United States directly.

Amid this unrest, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered his first public address since the demonstrations began, calling for unity and denouncing foreign influence, while addressing the United States directly.

Iran 'rioters' want to please Trump; he should focus on US problems: 6 things Supreme Leader Khamenei said on protests

As Iran prepares to resume nuclear talks with European powers, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has taken a hardline stance against the United States. In a fiery address, Khamenei accused Washington of trying to enforce “obedience” on Iran — a move he called a grave insult to the Iranian people. The comments come amid a fragile geopolitical environment, following the June war between Iran, Israel, and the US. European countries have warned of reactivating UN sanctions if Tehran doesn't return to the table in good faith.

Iran refuses to ‘obey’ US as nuclear talks with Europe restart

Israel's military released video on Sunday showing its fighter jets escorting US B-52 bombers over Israeli skies.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-country-strongly-rejects-israeli-accusation-of-mysterious-blast-367235/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The military said it escorted two US bombers. The flight of the pair of B-52 bombers is the latest mission in the region aimed at warning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-urges-europe-to-avoid-threats-or-pressure-368676">Iran</a> amid tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The flight by the two heavy bombers came as a pro-Iran satellite channel based in Beirut broadcast Iranian military drone footage of an Israeli ship hit by a mysterious explosion only days earlier in the Middle-East.

While the channel sought to say Iran wasn't involved, Israel has blamed Tehran for what it described as an attack on the vessel.&nbsp;

The US military's central command said the two B-52s flew over the region accompanied by military aircraft from nations including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

It marked the fourth-such bomber deployment into the Middle-East this year and the second under President Joe Biden.

The military did not directly mention Iran in its statement, saying the flight was to "deter aggression and reassure partners and allies of the US military's commitment to security in the region." The bomber flights had become common in the last months of former President Donald Trump's administration.

Trump's 2018 decision to unilaterally withdraw from Iran's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-zarif-to-offer-constructive-plan-amid-hopes-of-informal-nuclear-talks-368392">nuclear deal</a> with world powers sparked a series of escalating incidents in the Middle-East.

Israel's military released video on Sunday showing its fighter jets escorting US B-52 bombers over Israeli skies. Watch: The military said it escorted two US bombers.

Israel's military released video on Sunday showing its fighter jets escorting US B-52 bombers over Israeli skies. Watch: The military said it escorted two US bombers. The flight of the pair of B-52 bombers is the latest mission in the region aimed at warning Iran amid tensions between Washington and Tehran. The flight by the two heavy bombers came as a pro-Iran satellite channel based in Beirut broadcast Iranian military drone footage of an Israeli ship hit by a mysterious explosion only days earlier in the Middle-East. While the channel sought to say Iran wasn't involved, Israel has blamed Tehran for what it described as an attack on the vessel. The US military's central command said the two B-52s flew over the region accompanied by military aircraft from nations including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It marked the fourth-such bomber deployment into the Middle-East this year and the second under President Joe Biden. The military did not directly mention Iran in its statement, saying the flight was to "deter aggression and reassure partners and allies of the US military's commitment to security in the region." The bomber flights had become common in the last months of former President Donald Trump's administration. Trump's 2018 decision to unilaterally withdraw from Iran's nuclear deal with world powers sparked a series of escalating incidents in the Middle-East.

Israeli jets escort US B-52 bombers amid Iran tensions

The United States of America has officially asked the UNSC to reimpose sanctions, including an arms embargo on Iran. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo submitted a letter to the UNSC president arguing that Iran had violated the terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

US-Iran tensions: Mike Pompeo writes to UNSC president to reimpose sanctions on Iran

The US government has for the first time seized vessels allegedly loaded with Iranian fuel in violation of sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. Watch report.

1st Iranian fuel cargo confiscated by US: Fuel supply line defies US sanctions

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that Tehran was watching US activities and said his country will not initiate a conflict in the region. Rouhani's comments came during a telephone call to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran, were made, Iranian state media reported.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that Tehran was watching US activities and said his country will not initiate a conflict in the region. Rouhani's comments came during a telephone call to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran, were made, Iranian state media reported. "The Islamic Republic of Iran follows America's activities and movements closely, but it will never be the one that starts conflict and tension in the region," Rouhani was quoted as saying during the call, held due to the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. × US President Donald Trump on Wednesday that he had instructed the US Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea. Earlier this month, the US military said 11 Revolutionary Guards naval vessels came close to US Navy and Coast Guard ships in the Gulf, calling the moves "dangerous and provocative". Tehran blamed its long-time adversary for the incident. (With inputs from Reuters)

Iranian President Rouhani says Tehran watches US closely, but won't start conflict

The United States' warships will be destroyed if they threaten Tehran's security in the Gulf, Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Chief warned the US on Tursday. The warning comes a day after US President Donald Trump warned Iran over harassment of US ships on Twitter.

The United States' warships will be destroyed if they threaten Tehran's security in the Gulf, Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Chief warned the US on Tursday. The warning comes a day after US President Donald Trump warned Iran over harassment of US ships on Twitter. "I have ordered our naval forces to destroy any American terrorist force in the Persian Gulf that threatens the security of Iran's military or non-military ships," Hossein Salami said during an interview with local media. Also read: Instructed US Navy to shoot Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships: Trump "Security of the Persian Gulf is part of Iran's strategic priorities," he also added. Taking to the micro-blogging site on Wednesday, Trump said that he had instructed the US Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea. Also read: Iran general takes jibe at Trump, says should focus on saving US from virus His comments came after Trump said on Twitter he had "instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea". × The Pentagon later said the US military considered the tweet a message to the Iranian regime, suggesting that no new orders had been issued to US Navy ships patrolling the Gulf. The US Defence Department had accused Iran of "dangerous and provocative" actions in the Gulf. The US department had said that eleven Iran boats had "repeatedly crossed the bows and sterns" of US vessels in international waters. Also read: Death toll due to coronavirus rises to 5,391 in Iran; businesses open Iran dismissed the US allegation, saying that it was a "Hollywood account of the encounter" while warning the US that any "miscalculation will receive a decisive response". I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2020 × The tensions between the two nations have escalated since a US drone strike killed Major General Qasem Soleimani, the former head of the country's elite Quds Force. However, with the coronavirus sweeping the country Iran has accused the US of hurting it with sanctions at a time when its citizens are suffering.

US warships will be destroyed if Tehran's interests threatened: Iran Revolutionary Guards Chief

Iraqi&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eleven-us-troops-injured-in-january-8-iran-missile-attack-in-iraq-274776">killed</a> at least&nbsp;one&nbsp;protester&nbsp;and&nbsp;wounded&nbsp;25&nbsp;others on Friday when they launched tear gas canisters to break up a crowd trying to breach Baghdad's Sinak bridge,&nbsp;security&nbsp;and medical&nbsp;sources&nbsp;told Reuters.

The bridge is close to the capital's central <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-iraqis-rally-against-government-iran-and-us-273470">Tahrir Square</a> where thousands have been camped out for months, with recent clashes causing the authorities to restrict access to the crossing. The&nbsp;protester&nbsp;died after a tear gas canister was launched directly at his neck, the medical&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

<img alt="Iraqi demonstrators and tuk-tuk drivers are seen during ongoing anti-government protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a980729-0987-49db-93f7-2a28d4c363ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2818%29_1.jpg" /> 
[ Iraqi&nbsp;demonstrators and tuk-tuk drivers are seen during ongoing anti-government protests&nbsp;at the Sinak bridge in Baghdad (Courtesy: Reuters)&nbsp;]

"Saboteurs attacked the barricades in the Sinak bridge area and&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;have been using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-rockets-hit-iraq-base-hosting-us-troops-military-sources-273824">non-lethal</a> methods to stop them for hours," said a spokesman for the prime minister.

Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October&nbsp;1 and&nbsp;protesters, most of them young, are demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and keeping most&nbsp;Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been&nbsp;killed.

<img alt="Demonstrators stand on a concrete wall during ongoing anti-government protests at Sinak bridge in Baghdad" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a3f3e2b-1c4a-4478-bc5c-79d86a4b0832" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_6.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Demonstrators stand on a concrete wall during ongoing anti-government protests at Sinak bridge in Baghdad (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Despite numbers recently dwindling,&nbsp;protesters took to the streets again last week, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a US-Iran conflict after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-tensions-washington-turns-down-iraqi-request-to-remove-troops-273509">Washington</a>&nbsp;killed Tehran's top general in an airstrike inside Iraq.

Gunmen&nbsp;killed two local journalists covering protests last Friday in the southern city of Basra.

Iraqi security forces killed at least one protester and wounded 25 others on Friday when they launched tear gas canisters to break up a crowd trying to breach Baghdad's Sinak bridge, security and medical sources told Reuters.

Iraqi security forces killed at least one protester and wounded 25 others on Friday when they launched tear gas canisters to break up a crowd trying to breach Baghdad's Sinak bridge, security and medical sources told Reuters. The bridge is close to the capital's central Tahrir Square where thousands have been camped out for months, with recent clashes causing the authorities to restrict access to the crossing. The protester died after a tear gas canister was launched directly at his neck, the medical sources said. [ Iraqi demonstrators and tuk-tuk drivers are seen during ongoing anti-government protests at the Sinak bridge in Baghdad (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "Saboteurs attacked the barricades in the Sinak bridge area and security forces have been using non-lethal methods to stop them for hours," said a spokesman for the prime minister. Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October 1 and protesters, most of them young, are demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed. [ Demonstrators stand on a concrete wall during ongoing anti-government protests at Sinak bridge in Baghdad (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Despite numbers recently dwindling, protesters took to the streets again last week, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a US-Iran conflict after Washington killed Tehran's top general in an airstrike inside Iraq. Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests last Friday in the southern city of Basra.

Iraqi security forces kill one protester, wound 25: Report

Washington&nbsp;on Friday spurned an&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;request to prepare to pull out its&nbsp;troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US&nbsp;killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there.

Seeking to tighten pressure on its foe, the United States meanwhile imposed more sanctions on Iran, responding to an attack on US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;in Iraq launched by Tehran in retaliation for the death of General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-asks-us-to-send-delegation-and-set-up-mechanism-for-troop-pullout-273491">Qasem Soleimani</a>.

Iraq could bear the brunt of any further violence between its neighbour Iran and the United States, its leaders caught in a bind as&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;and Tehran are also the&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;government's main allies and vie for influence there.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-curbs-trumps-war-power-amid-iran-tensions-273283">Donald Trump</a> said Iran had probably planned to attack the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad and was aiming to strike four US&nbsp;embassies when Soleimani was killed in a US&nbsp;drone strike.

"We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said in a clip of an interview with Fox News. "I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies."

Iraqi&nbsp;Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defense-chief-esper-denies-us-troop-pullout-from-iraq-after-leaked-letter-confusion-272596">Adel Abdul Mahdi</a> made his request for preparations for a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal in a phone&nbsp;call&nbsp;with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday in line with a vote in Iraq's parliament last week, his office said.

Abdul Mahdi asked Pompeo to "send delegates to put in place the tools to carry out the parliament's decision," his office said in a statement, adding that the forces used in the killing had entered Iraq or used its airspace without permission.

The State Department said any US&nbsp;delegation would not discuss the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;as their presence in Iraq was "appropriate."

"There does, however, need to be a conversation between the US&nbsp;and&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership," spokeswoman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/placating-turkey-trump-admin-says-doesnt-recognise-armenian-genocide-268796">Morgan Ortagus</a> said in a statement.

Trump said in the Fox News interview that if Iraq wanted the United States to leave, he would tell them: "You have to pay us for the money we put in."

He said the United States has $35 billion of Iraq's money "sitting in an account."

"I think they'll agree to pay. Otherwise, we'll stay there," Trump said.

Pompeo told reporters a NATO delegation was in&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;on Friday to discuss the future of the Iraq mission and a plan to "get burden-sharing right in the region".

Separately, the State Department said Pompeo had discussed Iran with Canadian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-under-pressure-at-home-over-plane-crash-warns-iran-world-is-watching-273502">Francois‑Philippe Champagne</a> as well as "the opportunity for an expanded NATO force in Iraq and appropriate burden-sharing".

The latest flare-up in the long covert war between Iran and the United States began with the US&nbsp;killing of Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a drone strike on January&nbsp;3. Iran responded on Wednesday by firing missiles at US&nbsp;forces in Iraq.

In the aftermath, both sides backed off from intensifying the conflict but the region remains tense.

Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric condemned the US-Iranian struggle happening on&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;soil, saying it risked plunging his country and the wider Middle East into deeper conflict.

Grand <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-will-lead-to-the-strengthening-of-iranian-hardliners-272109">Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani</a> said it was&nbsp;Iraqis who stood to suffer most from the US-Iranian conflict. In a message delivered through a representative at Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala, Sistani said no foreign powers should be allowed to decide Iraq's fate.

"The latest dangerous aggressive acts, which are repeated violations of&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;sovereignty, are a part of the deteriorating situation" in the region, Sistani said. "Iraq must govern itself and there must be no role for outsiders in its decision-making."

Iraq has suffered decades of war, sanctions and sectarian conflict, including the US-led invasion of 2003.

At Friday prayers in Tehran, mid-ranking Iranian cleric Mohammad Javad Haj Aliakbari said US&nbsp;interests across the world were now exposed to threats.

Since Soleimani's killing, Tehran has stepped up its&nbsp;calls for US&nbsp;forces to leave Iraq, which like Iran is a mainly Shiite Muslim nation. Iranian Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-missile-attack-news-iran-appears-to-be-standing-down-says-trump-273124">Ali Khamenei</a> has said the retaliatory strikes were not enough and that ending the US&nbsp;military presence in the region was Tehran's main goal.

Critics have&nbsp;called Soleimani's killing a reckless action.

But Pompeo said on Friday&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;had specific information about an imminent Iranian threat including to US&nbsp;embassies, adding: "American lives were at risk."

As part of his most recent activities in Iraq, Soleimani had encouraged pro-Iranian&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;militias to quash months of protests by&nbsp;Iraqis opposed to the influence in their country of foreign powers such as Iran and the United States.

In&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;cities, demonstrators took to the streets again on Friday, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-iran-can-india-play-peacemaker-273348">US-Iran conflict</a>.

Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests in the southern city of Basra, security sources and state media said. Ahmed Abdulsamad, Basra correspondent of Dijla TV station owned by senior Sunni politician Mohammed al-Karbouli, as killed immediately while his camera operator succumbed to his wounds in hospital, a medical source told reporters.

"Politicians and clerics are either with Iran, the US&nbsp;or other countries. Our allegiance is to Iraq only, not to factions and politicians," said Essam Faraj, 54, a demonstrator in Baghdad.

Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there.

Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there. Seeking to tighten pressure on its foe, the United States meanwhile imposed more sanctions on Iran, responding to an attack on US troops in Iraq launched by Tehran in retaliation for the death of General Qasem Soleimani. Iraq could bear the brunt of any further violence between its neighbour Iran and the United States, its leaders caught in a bind as Washington and Tehran are also the Iraqi government's main allies and vie for influence there. President Donald Trump said Iran had probably planned to attack the US embassy in Baghdad and was aiming to strike four US embassies when Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike. "We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said in a clip of an interview with Fox News. "I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies." Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi made his request for preparations for a US troop withdrawal in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday in line with a vote in Iraq's parliament last week, his office said. Abdul Mahdi asked Pompeo to "send delegates to put in place the tools to carry out the parliament's decision," his office said in a statement, adding that the forces used in the killing had entered Iraq or used its airspace without permission. The State Department said any US delegation would not discuss the withdrawal of US troops as their presence in Iraq was "appropriate." "There does, however, need to be a conversation between the US and Iraqi governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Trump said in the Fox News interview that if Iraq wanted the United States to leave, he would tell them: "You have to pay us for the money we put in." He said the United States has $35 billion of Iraq's money "sitting in an account." "I think they'll agree to pay. Otherwise, we'll stay there," Trump said. Pompeo told reporters a NATO delegation was in Washington on Friday to discuss the future of the Iraq mission and a plan to "get burden-sharing right in the region". Separately, the State Department said Pompeo had discussed Iran with Canadian Foreign Minister Francois‑Philippe Champagne as well as "the opportunity for an expanded NATO force in Iraq and appropriate burden-sharing". The latest flare-up in the long covert war between Iran and the United States began with the US killing of Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a drone strike on January 3. Iran responded on Wednesday by firing missiles at US forces in Iraq. In the aftermath, both sides backed off from intensifying the conflict but the region remains tense. Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric condemned the US-Iranian struggle happening on Iraqi soil, saying it risked plunging his country and the wider Middle East into deeper conflict. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said it was Iraqis who stood to suffer most from the US-Iranian conflict. In a message delivered through a representative at Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala, Sistani said no foreign powers should be allowed to decide Iraq's fate. "The latest dangerous aggressive acts, which are repeated violations of Iraqi sovereignty, are a part of the deteriorating situation" in the region, Sistani said. "Iraq must govern itself and there must be no role for outsiders in its decision-making." Iraq has suffered decades of war, sanctions and sectarian conflict, including the US-led invasion of 2003. At Friday prayers in Tehran, mid-ranking Iranian cleric Mohammad Javad Haj Aliakbari said US interests across the world were now exposed to threats. Since Soleimani's killing, Tehran has stepped up its calls for US forces to leave Iraq, which like Iran is a mainly Shiite Muslim nation. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has said the retaliatory strikes were not enough and that ending the US military presence in the region was Tehran's main goal. Critics have called Soleimani's killing a reckless action. But Pompeo said on Friday Washington had specific information about an imminent Iranian threat including to US embassies, adding: "American lives were at risk." As part of his most recent activities in Iraq, Soleimani had encouraged pro-Iranian Iraqi militias to quash months of protests by Iraqis opposed to the influence in their country of foreign powers such as Iran and the United States. In Iraqi cities, demonstrators took to the streets again on Friday, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a US-Iran conflict. Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests in the southern city of Basra, security sources and state media said. Ahmed Abdulsamad, Basra correspondent of Dijla TV station owned by senior Sunni politician Mohammed al-Karbouli, as killed immediately while his camera operator succumbed to his wounds in hospital, a medical source told reporters. "Politicians and clerics are either with Iran, the US or other countries. Our allegiance is to Iraq only, not to factions and politicians," said Essam Faraj, 54, a demonstrator in Baghdad.

US-Iran tensions escalate as Washington refuses Tehran's request to remove troops

Iran's missile attacks on US targets did not aim to kill the American soldiers, a senior Iranian commander said after United States President Donald Trump said that no US troops were hurt in Wednesday's strike on its airbase in Iraq.

<ul>
	<li>The US House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's ability to wage war against Iran. The five-page resolution emphasized that if President Trump wants to take the US to war, he would need authorization from Congress. The resolution&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/an-attack-in-the-homeland-may-come-with-little-or-no-warning-us-department-of-homeland-security-272207">Read more&nbsp;</a></li>
	<li>US President Donald Trump while addressing a re-election campaign rally in &nbsp;Toledo, Ohio said he was ready to launch retaliatory strikes after Iran hit US bases in Iraq. Trump in the rally said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-were-ready-to-retaliate-after-iran-strikes-solemanis-killing-was-american-justice-trump-at-campaign-rally-in-ohio-273289">Read more</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The tension between the US and Iran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran's top military commander&nbsp;General Qasem Soleimani in a strike in Baghdad International Airport. The crisis&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-oil-workers-leave-iraq-air-strike-on-iranian-leader-qassem-soleimani-272049">Read more</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Trump addressed the nation from White House and said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanting to de-escalate tensions. Iran strikes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-not-looking-for-war-air-strike-in-iraq-part-of-our-response-says-irans-envoy-to-india-273023">Read more</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li>&nbsp;Iran had hundreds of missiles ready and when Tehran launched missiles on Wednesday it had used "cyberattacks to disable (US) plane and drone navigation systems," the US President said. Iran's strikes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-condemns-us-air-strikes-as-unacceptable-and-dangerous-271127">Read More</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Soleimani was one of Iran's most popular public figures. He was laid to rest in his hometown Kerman early on Wednesday morning after massive funeral processions in several major cities across&nbsp;Iran. During the funeral&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">Read more</a>&nbsp;</li>
	 
	&nbsp;
</ul>

Watch video:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/house-votes-to-restrain-trumps-iran-war-powers-273285/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Iran's missile attacks on US targets did not aim to kill the American soldiers, a senior Iranian commander said after United States President Donald Trump said that no US troops were hurt in Wednesday's strike on its airbase in Iraq.

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

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

The US House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's ability to wage war against Iran.

The five-page resolution emphasised&nbsp;that if President Trump wants to take the US to war, he would need authorization from Congress.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-iran-sanctions-are-already-in-effect-says-us-president-donald-trump-273262">Also Read: New Iran sanctions are already in effect, says US President Donald Trump</a>

The resolution passed 224-194 in the Democratic-controlled US lower House. Three Republicans and an independent voted for it, while eight Democrats opposed it.

Watch Video:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-iran-us-pull-back-from-brink-of-war-273271/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Today to honour our duty to keep the American people safe - that is our first responsibility to protect and defend. we must keep the American people safe, the House will pass a war powers resolution to limit the president's military actions regarding Iran," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

"Congress is reassuring our long-established oversight responsibilities as we mandate that if no further Congressional action is taken, the administration's military hostilities with regard to Iran must end," Pelosi added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/soleimanis-killing-how-was-the-operation-carried-out-and-what-are-the-consequences-272077">In Pics:&nbsp;How was the operation to kill Soleimani was carried out</a>

The resolution comes after Congressional Democrats sharply criticised the Trump administration for not consulting Congress on the Soleimani strike and also accused him of recklessness in his decision-making on Iran.

However, Republican leader Kevin Mccarthy disagreeing with Pelosi said: "I'd actually like to hear a democrat speak to the 600 gold star families the Soleimani killed. I'd like to hear them defend that. I'd like to hear them defend Iran and their actions of burning an embassy, of killing an American, of killing thousands of civilians, even in their own country but they're going to take our time today with something that means nothing."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-strike-was-start-of-a-series-of-attacks-across-the-region-iranian-commander-273235">Missile strike was start of a series of attacks across the region: Iranian commander</a>

"They'll get on TV and they'll tell a little more fake news that it meant something today. The only thing today will happen - they'll make Iran believe they are stronger. They'll make Iran believe they have allies in the House of Representatives," Mccarthy said. 
&nbsp; 
The war powers resolution has now been sent to the Senate which is dominated by Republicans.

The fate of the resolution is uncertain in the Senate, however, if passed by the Senate as well, the measure does not need Trump's signature to go into effect, although Democrats and Republicans disagreed over whether it is binding.

The US House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's ability to wage war against Iran. The five-page resolution emphasised that if President Trump wants to take the US to war, he would need authorization from Congress.

The US House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's ability to wage war against Iran. The five-page resolution emphasised that if President Trump wants to take the US to war, he would need authorization from Congress. Also Read: New Iran sanctions are already in effect, says US President Donald Trump The resolution passed 224-194 in the Democratic-controlled US lower House. Three Republicans and an independent voted for it, while eight Democrats opposed it. Watch Video: "Today to honour our duty to keep the American people safe - that is our first responsibility to protect and defend. we must keep the American people safe, the House will pass a war powers resolution to limit the president's military actions regarding Iran," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. "Congress is reassuring our long-established oversight responsibilities as we mandate that if no further Congressional action is taken, the administration's military hostilities with regard to Iran must end," Pelosi added. In Pics: How was the operation to kill Soleimani was carried out The resolution comes after Congressional Democrats sharply criticised the Trump administration for not consulting Congress on the Soleimani strike and also accused him of recklessness in his decision-making on Iran. However, Republican leader Kevin Mccarthy disagreeing with Pelosi said: "I'd actually like to hear a democrat speak to the 600 gold star families the Soleimani killed. I'd like to hear them defend that. I'd like to hear them defend Iran and their actions of burning an embassy, of killing an American, of killing thousands of civilians, even in their own country but they're going to take our time today with something that means nothing." Missile strike was start of a series of attacks across the region: Iranian commander "They'll get on TV and they'll tell a little more fake news that it meant something today. The only thing today will happen - they'll make Iran believe they are stronger. They'll make Iran believe they have allies in the House of Representatives," Mccarthy said. The war powers resolution has now been sent to the Senate which is dominated by Republicans. The fate of the resolution is uncertain in the Senate, however, if passed by the Senate as well, the measure does not need Trump's signature to go into effect, although Democrats and Republicans disagreed over whether it is binding.

US House of Representatives curbs Trump's war powers amid Iran tensions

Indian shares ended higher on Friday as easing US-Iran tensions pulled down oil prices, while investors awaited December quarter earnings from IT bellwether Infosys Ltd scheduled to be released later in the day.

Cooling crude propped up equities at the third-largest global oil consumer, with the blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index hitting a record high during the session at 12,311.20.

The Nifty ended nearly 0.33 per cent&nbsp;higher at 12,256.80, while the benchmark Sensex jumped 0.36 per cent to 41,599.72. The Nifty and Sensex posted a weekly gain of 0.25 per cent and 0.33 per cent, respectively.

Coal India Ltd was the top gainer on the Nifty index, closing 3.69 per cent higher.

Shares of Yes Bank Ltd closed 5.39 per cent lower, the biggest loser on the Nifty after its independent director Uttam Prakash Agarwal said he was leaving the private sector lender, citing issues with fundraising and corporate governance.

Shares of IT giant Infosys Ltd closed 1.46 per cent higher ahead of its third-quarter results to be released later in the day.

Tata Motors Ltd shares closed 2.27 per cent higher after reporting a 1.3 per cent rise in December retail sales for Jaguar Land Rover.

Indian shares ended higher on Friday as easing US-Iran tensions pulled down oil prices, while investors awaited December quarter earnings from IT bellwether Infosys Ltd scheduled to be released later in the day.

Indian shares ended higher on Friday as easing US-Iran tensions pulled down oil prices, while investors awaited December quarter earnings from IT bellwether Infosys Ltd scheduled to be released later in the day. Cooling crude propped up equities at the third-largest global oil consumer, with the blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index hitting a record high during the session at 12,311.20. The Nifty ended nearly 0.33 per cent higher at 12,256.80, while the benchmark Sensex jumped 0.36 per cent to 41,599.72. The Nifty and Sensex posted a weekly gain of 0.25 per cent and 0.33 per cent, respectively. Coal India Ltd was the top gainer on the Nifty index, closing 3.69 per cent higher. Shares of Yes Bank Ltd closed 5.39 per cent lower, the biggest loser on the Nifty after its independent director Uttam Prakash Agarwal said he was leaving the private sector lender, citing issues with fundraising and corporate governance. Shares of IT giant Infosys Ltd closed 1.46 per cent higher ahead of its third-quarter results to be released later in the day. Tata Motors Ltd shares closed 2.27 per cent higher after reporting a 1.3 per cent rise in December retail sales for Jaguar Land Rover.

Nifty, Sensex end higher on cooling oil prices

Indian shares rose on Friday, tracking global markets, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/could-iran-us-tensions-mean-troubled-waters-ahead-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-273207">US-Iran tensions</a> abated and investors looked for domestic cues ahead of corporate earnings.

The NSE&nbsp;Nifty&nbsp;50 index inched up 0.16 per cent&nbsp;to 12,234.25 by 0413 GMT, while the benchmark <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-jumps-634-points-as-us-iran-tensions-ease-auto-and-realty-stocks-gain-273229">S&amp;P BSE Sensex</a> was 0.14 per cent&nbsp;higher at 41,511.58. The&nbsp;Nifty&nbsp;50 and Sensex are headed for a weekly gain of around 0.5 per cent&nbsp;each.

Meanwhile, easing oil prices came as a relief for investors in India, the world's third-biggest oil consumer. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-hike-in-petrol-diesel-prices-in-india-273300">Brent crude</a> was headed for its first decline in six weeks.&nbsp;

"There were some panic and fears from the global market which is fading out domestic cues are also not that negative, in fact, they are improving," said Shrikant Chouhan, technical analyst at Kotak Securities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-surge-as-easing-middle-east-tensions-steady-crude-prices-273111">MSCI's broadest</a> gauge of the world's stocks in 49 countries rose a tad to hit an all-time high and its index of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-shares-erase-losses-as-mideast-tensions-ease-oil-ticks-up-273093">Asia-Pacific shares</a> outside Japan rose 0.18 per cent.&nbsp;

In India, IT heavyweight Infosys Ltd rose 1.44 per cent&nbsp;ahead of its third-quarter earnings due later in the day.

Shares of Indian private sector lender Yes Bank Ltd rose 1.37 per cent&nbsp;ahead of a board meeting on Friday to discuss a capital raise as it looks to stave off the impact of bad loans.

Airline stocks Interglobe Aviation Ltd and SpiceJet Ltd reacted positively to lower oil prices, rising 1.68 per cent&nbsp;and 0.94 per cent&nbsp;respectively.

Bharti Infratel Ltd and Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd were among the top gainers on the&nbsp;Nifty, rising 2.13 per cent&nbsp;and 2.06 per cent&nbsp;each.&nbsp;

Indian shares rose on Friday, tracking global markets, as US-Iran tensions abated and investors looked for domestic cues ahead of corporate earnings. The NSE Nifty 50 index inched up 0.

Indian shares rose on Friday, tracking global markets, as US-Iran tensions abated and investors looked for domestic cues ahead of corporate earnings. The NSE Nifty 50 index inched up 0.16 per cent to 12,234.25 by 0413 GMT, while the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex was 0.14 per cent higher at 41,511.58. The Nifty 50 and Sensex are headed for a weekly gain of around 0.5 per cent each. Meanwhile, easing oil prices came as a relief for investors in India, the world's third-biggest oil consumer. Brent crude was headed for its first decline in six weeks. "There were some panic and fears from the global market which is fading out domestic cues are also not that negative, in fact, they are improving," said Shrikant Chouhan, technical analyst at Kotak Securities. MSCI's broadest gauge of the world's stocks in 49 countries rose a tad to hit an all-time high and its index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.18 per cent. In India, IT heavyweight Infosys Ltd rose 1.44 per cent ahead of its third-quarter earnings due later in the day. Shares of Indian private sector lender Yes Bank Ltd rose 1.37 per cent ahead of a board meeting on Friday to discuss a capital raise as it looks to stave off the impact of bad loans. Airline stocks Interglobe Aviation Ltd and SpiceJet Ltd reacted positively to lower oil prices, rising 1.68 per cent and 0.94 per cent respectively. Bharti Infratel Ltd and Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd were among the top gainers on the Nifty, rising 2.13 per cent and 2.06 per cent each.

Nifty, Sensex headed for weekly gain as Mideast tensions ease

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

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

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

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

A three-day national funeral procession was held for the head of Iran's Quds Force commander&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-gather-to-pay-homage-to-slain-iran-general-soleimani-in-tehran-272439">Qasem Soleimani</a>, marked by hundreds of thousands of mourners who were seen carrying his casket with the slain general's posters&nbsp;across Iran and Iraq.

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<ul>
	<li>Soleimani was killed&nbsp;in an airstrike authorised by US President Donald Trump. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Iran appointed General Esmail Ghaani as the head of the elite Quds Force. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The killing escalated tensions between Iran-US relations. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Mourners marched chanting "Death of America" and "We will take our revenge" through the streets of Iran and Iraq. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>On January 5, President Trump raised the prospect targetting&nbsp;of 52 Iranian cultural sites. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>President&nbsp;Trump also threatened&nbsp;sanctions on Iraq after lawmakers called&nbsp;US troops to leave the country. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>France, Britain and Germany have called on&nbsp;Iran to refrain from violence. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Iranians and Iraqis detained and refused the re-entry of Americans. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Soleimani will be buried in his hometown on Tuesday. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>January 6 marked&nbsp;the second day of Soleimani's national funeral procession. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-iran-strike-us-will-quickly-strike-back-says-trump-272374">Should Iran strike, US will quickly strike back, says Trump</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-militants-storm-military-base-in-somalia-kill-3-american-citizens-272394">Al Shabaab militants storm military base in Somalia; kill 3 American citizens</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-challenges-vice-president-mike-pences-claims-of-soleimani-assisting-911-terrorists-272199">US media challenges Vice President Mike Pence's claims of Soleimani assisting 9/11 terrorists</a> 
&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Thousands pay respect to Qasem Soleimani

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(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

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

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

Latest updates on Iran general Qasem Soleimani's killing

The Boeing commercial flight carried 176 people when it crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran's main airport. The crash of Ukraine International Airlines came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing US soldiers, but both Ukrainian and Iranian officials said they suspected a mechanical issue that brought down the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. There is no clarity on what led to the crash. Amid the tensions with the United States Iran has now refused to hand over the plane black box to the aircraft manufacturer. #PlaneCrash #IranPlaneCrash #FinePrint #US #Iran #Boeing

Fineprint: Iran plane crash, What do we know about the crash

The biggest worry across the world right now is about West Asia. Will Iran's missile attacks on US military bases in Iraq bring Iran & the U.S. closer to war? Or will both the side claim victory and end this conflict? On WionEdit MollyGambhir explains. #WIONEdit #US #Iran

WION Edit: Will US-Iran tensions escalate further?

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