Iran promises 'harsh retaliation' to killing of top general
Iran has vowed “harsh retaliation” after President TrumpDonald John TrumpIran foreign minister warns killing of general is ‘extremely dangerous and foolish escalation’ Congress reacts to U.S. assassination of Iranian general Trump tweets American flag amid reports of strike against Iranian general MORE directed an airstrike that killed one of Iran’s top generals, Qasem Soleimani.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that a “harsh retaliation is waiting” for the U.S. following the Baghdad airstrike, The Associated Press reported Friday.
Khamenei also named Maj. Gen. Esmail Ghaani to replace Soleimani as the leader of the Quds Force, according to the AP.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif previously called the U.S. move “extremely dangerous & a foolish escalation” in a tweet.
“The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism,” he added.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike PompeoMichael (Mike) Richard PompeoUS airstrike kills Iran’s powerful Quds Forces leader Maryland GOP governor tells Trump administration state will accept refugees Schumer: Newly revealed emails a ‘devastating blow’ to McConnell’s impeachment trial plans MORE, however, has said the strike was conducted in response to “imminent threats to American lives.”
Their comments follow a Thursday Pentagon statement confirming that Soleimani had been killed.
“This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans,” the Pentagon said. “The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world.”
Soleimani was killed at Baghdad International Airport, as was, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed Iraqi militia the Popular Mobilization Forces, Iraqi state TV first reported Thursday.