Soleimani’s Assassination 'Foolish Escalation', US Bears Responsibility For All 'Consequences': Iran

Iran has finally broken silence over the shocking assassination General Qasem Soleimani during an airstrike at Baghdad airport on Friday morning. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that, “The US' act of international terrorism, targeting and assassinating General Soleimani is extremely dangerous and a foolish escalation. The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism.” The statement comes after the emergency meeting of the top Iranian leadership in wake of the killing. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards former chief has vowed “vigorous revenge against America” for the killing of Soleimani.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed in a statement read out on state television that the commander of its Quds Force Qasem Soleimani was killed by US forces in Baghdad on Friday. "The Revolutionary Guards announces that the glorious commander of Islam, haj Qasem Soleimani, following a life of servitude, was martyred in an attack by America on Baghdad airport this morning," said the report.

The channel said the attack was carried out by US helicopters. A black ribbon was displayed on the screen and a photo montage was shown with images of Soleimani smiling and praying. 

Pentagon and the White House have officially confirmed that President Donald Trump ordered the assassination of Iran’s high-profile General in an airstrike in Baghdad on Friday morning. In a statement, the White House said that, “At the direction of the President, the US military has taken decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.” The Department of Defense added that, "General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. General Soleimani and his Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more."

Later, Donald Trump took to Twitter and tweeted the US national flag without any caption. Former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley lauded Trump’s action. “Qassem Soleimani was an arch terrorist with American blood on his hands. His demise should be applauded by all who seek peace and justice. Proud of President Trump for doing the strong and right thing,” Haley said on Twitter while tagging Trump.

Meanwhile, Mike Pompeo tweeted a video saying, "Iraqis — Iraqis — dancing in the street for freedom; thankful that General Soleimani is no more."

Iraqis — Iraqis — dancing in the street for freedom; thankful that General Soleimani is no more. pic.twitter.com/huFcae3ap4

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 3, 2020