Soleimani was killed in an attack by thenUS President Donald Trump during a visit to Iraq on the pretext that he was a “legitimate military target”. The case provoked enormous repercussions at the time and the threat of a new war.
The attack, which came after a series of military provocations between the two countries, sparked an unprecedented crisis between the US and Iran, including the launching of missiles at USheld bases in Iraqi territory. Days later, at the funeral of Soleimani, considered a great leader in Iran, more than 50 people were trampled to death, further escalating tensions.
Alireza Tangsiri, the naval commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, said Thursday that the United States has regularly offered some rewards for the leader’s assassination, such as the lifting of sanctions and other concessions in return. However, Tehran has rejected the offers and said it still plots revenge.
The image shows details of a model drone that would have been used in an attack that killed General Qassem Soleimani Photo: Amanda Paes/G1
Last year, the two countries held indirect talks in Vienna, Austria, to try to reactivate a 2015 nuclear deal abandoned by Washington in 2018 by thenUS President Donald Trump and later violated by Tehran.
“The enemy keeps sending messages that if we stop avenging Soleimani, they will give us some concessions or lift some sanctions,” Alireza Tangsiri said. “It’s pure fantasy. The Supreme Leader stressed the need for revenge and the Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Guards said that revenge is inevitable and that we will choose the time and place for it.”
The United States has yet to respond immediately to Tangsiri’s comments.
1 in 1 Iranians destroy an American flag during a January 3 protest in Tehran over the death of General Qassem Soleimani. — Photo: Atta Kenare / AFP
Iranians destroy an American flag during a protest in Tehran on January 3 against the death of General Qassem Soleimani. — Photo: Atta Kenare / AFP
Tensions over the attack began after Trump imposed sanctions on Iran, which in response pushed its nuclear enrichment program beyond the limits of a deal struck with world powers. The deal was aimed at halting the development of a nuclear bomb, but Iran claims its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
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