Iran general steps out of Soleimani’s shadow to lead proxies
5 years ago

Iran general steps out of Soleimani’s shadow to lead proxies

Associated Press  

TEHRAN, Iran — A new Iranian general has stepped out of the shadows to lead the country’s expeditionary Quds Force, becoming responsible for Tehran’s proxies across the Mideast as the Islamic Republic threatens the U.S. with “harsh revenge” for killing its previous head, Qassem Soleimani. “We are children of war,” Ghaani once said of his relationship with Soleimani, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. In announcing Ghaani as Soleimani’s replacement, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the new leader “one of the most prominent commanders” in service to Iran. Also in 2012, Ghaani drew criticism from the U.S. State Department after reportedly saying that “if the Islamic Republic was not present in Syria, the massacre of people would have happened on a much larger scale.” That comment came just after gunmen backing Syrian President Bashar Assad killed over 100 people in Houla in the country’s Homs province.

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History of this topic

Commander of Iran's Quds Force is 'in good health', force's deputy commander says
3 months ago

Commander of Iran's Quds Force is 'in good health', force's deputy commander says

The Hindu  

The top commander of Iran's Quds Force, Esmail Qaani, is in "good health", the force's deputy commander Iraj Masjedi said on Monday, after two Iranian security sources told Reuters he had been out of contact since strikes on Beirut last week. The Iranian Students' News Agency reported that a message from Mr. Qaani was conveyed to a conference in solidarity …

IRGC | Guardians of the revolution
8 months, 4 weeks ago

IRGC | Guardians of the revolution

The Hindu  

Gen. Mohammed Reza Zahedi was one of the top commanders of the Quds Force, the overseas arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A veteran of the Iran-Iraq war and a former confidant of Qassem Soleimani, the Quds Force chief who was assassinated by the U.S. in Baghdad in January 2020, Gen. Zahedi was in charge of the IRGC’s operations …

Commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force is expanding predecessor’s vision of chaos in the Middle East
10 months ago

Commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force is expanding predecessor’s vision of chaos in the Middle East

New Indian Express  

Javed Ali, University of Michigan Most Americans have likely never heard of Esmail Ghaani, despite his fingerprints being over a slew of recent attacks on US targets. As the powerful chief of the Quds Force, the unconventional warfare wing of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Ghaani is charged with overseeing Tehran’s network of allied and proxy groups across the Middle …

Esmail Qaani | Commander of the ‘Axis’
11 months, 1 week ago

Esmail Qaani | Commander of the ‘Axis’

The Hindu  

When Esmail Qaani was chosen to lead the Quds Force, an elite wing of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in January 2020, immediately after Qassem Soleimani was assassinated by the U.S. outside the Baghdad airport, many doubted whether the veteran would be able to fill the very large shoes of the ‘Shadow Commander’. The gist Born in 1957 in the …

Who was Qasem Soleimani, top Iranian general once considered second most powerful in Iran after Khamenei?
1 year ago

Who was Qasem Soleimani, top Iranian general once considered second most powerful in Iran after Khamenei?

Hindustan Times  

Two rapid explosions near the burial site of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani resulted in the death of at least 103 individuals. Furthermore, the Quds Force played a coordinating role in Hezbollah's defense against Israel in the 2006 Lebanon War, with Soleimani personally involved in these operations. Soleimani, Iran's ‘shadow commander’ Referred to as Iran's ‘shadow commander,’ Soleimani, had been at …

Iran: Revolutionary Guard officer assassinated in Tehran
2 years, 7 months ago

Iran: Revolutionary Guard officer assassinated in Tehran

Al Jazeera  

Hassan Sayyad Khodaei was a colonel in the Quds Force, the Guard’s foreign arm, with accusations leveled at Israeli and American intelligence. Gunmen riding on motorcycles opened fire on a senior officer of Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps outside his home, killing him in his car in the capital, Tehran. Speaking from Tehran, Abas Aslani, a senior research fellow …

Iran’s Quds Force should stay on US ‘terrorist’ list: Top general
2 years, 9 months ago

Iran’s Quds Force should stay on US ‘terrorist’ list: Top general

Al Jazeera  

General Mark Milley tells lawmakers it is his ‘personal opinion’ that the IRGC’s Quds Force should not be delisted. The United States’ top general has said he does not support removing Iran’s elite Quds Force from Washington’s list of “foreign terrorist organizations”, an apparent key demand from Tehran to revive the multilateral nuclear deal. Speaking to the Senate Armed Services …

EsmaiI Qaani: New ‘shadow commander’ of Iran’s Quds Force
4 years, 11 months ago

EsmaiI Qaani: New ‘shadow commander’ of Iran’s Quds Force

Al Jazeera  

Esmail Qaani is likely to pursue his predecessor’s policies with ‘greater vigour and ruthlessness’, say experts. Under Soleimani, dubbed Iran’s “shadow commander” by some media, the Quds Force helped boost Iranian influence across the Middle East by building up a vast network of proxies. ‘Loyal, committed’ Khamenei, announcing Qaani’s appointment on January 3, said the Quds Force’s new chief was …

Iran’s new Quds leader vows ‘manly’ revenge for Soleimani killing
4 years, 11 months ago

Iran’s new Quds leader vows ‘manly’ revenge for Soleimani killing

Al Jazeera  

Esmail Qaani says the US killed his predecessor ‘in a cowardly way’ as he promised to hit back ‘in a manly fashion’. The newly appointed commander of Iran‘s elite Quds Force said the United States killed his predecessor, Qassem Soleimani, “in a cowardly way” and promised to “hit his enemy in a manly fashion”. Khamenei, while announcing Qaani’s appointment on …

Iran designates U.S. forces ‘terrorists’ for killing general
5 years ago

Iran designates U.S. forces ‘terrorists’ for killing general

The Hindu  

Iran's Parliament passed a Bill on Tuesday designating all U.S. forces “terrorists” over the killing of a top Iranian military commander in a U.S. strike last week. Qassem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards’ foreign operations arm, was killed in a U.S. drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. Under the newly …

Iran designates all US forces ’terrorists’
5 years ago

Iran designates all US forces ’terrorists’

Live Mint  

Iran's parliament passed a bill today designating all US forces "terrorists" over the killing of a top Iranian military commander in a US strike last week. Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes. Under the newly adopted …

Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wants to put country's stamp on reprisal for US killing of top general
5 years ago

Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wants to put country's stamp on reprisal for US killing of top general

Firstpost  

In the tense hours following the American killing of a top Iranian military commander, the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made a rare appearance at a meeting of the government’s National Security Council to lay down the parameters for any retaliation. I don’t think even Iran knows,” Ostovar said, “But I think there is a blood lust right now …

Iran minister goads Donald Trump as millions attend funeral for top general Qassem Soleimani
5 years ago

Iran minister goads Donald Trump as millions attend funeral for top general Qassem Soleimani

ABC  

Iran's foreign minister has challenged United States President Donald Trump in a tweet, sharing photos from the massive crowds in Tehran mourning an Iranian commander killed by a recent US drone strike. Key points: Esmail Ghaani has been appointed as the new leader of the elite Quds Force Iran's Supreme Leader called him "one of the most prominent commanders" However, …

Iran declares all US forces terrorists after Qassem Soleimani killing
5 years ago

Iran declares all US forces terrorists after Qassem Soleimani killing

India Today  

Iran has designated all US forces "terrorists" after an American drone strike killed one of its most powerful figures, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, last week, AFP reports. #BREAKING Iran designates all US forces 'terrorists' for killing general pic.twitter.com/Y8mDEVRM1z AFP news agency January 7, 2020 Iran has vowed to avenge Soleimani's killing, and US President Donald Trump promised retaliation in the …

Qasem Soleimani's funeral draws mammoth crowds, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei breaks down
5 years ago

Qasem Soleimani's funeral draws mammoth crowds, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei breaks down

India TV News  

Weeping amid wails from a sea of mourners, Iran’s supreme leader on Monday prayed over the remains of a top Iranian general killed in a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad, an attack that’s drastically raised tensions between Tehran and Washington. Adding to the tensions, President Donald Trump threatened to demand billions of dollars in compensation from Iraq or impose “sanctions like …

Iranian general Soleimani's replacement vows revenge for US killing
5 years ago

Iranian general Soleimani's replacement vows revenge for US killing

ABC  

An Iranian general who replaced the leader killed by a US airstrike in Baghdad has vowed to take revenge as Tehran abandoned the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in response to the slaying. Key points: President Donald Trump has doubled down on threats against Tehran Iran has threatened to strike at Israel if attacked by …

Admired and reviled: How Soleimani was seen in the Middle East
5 years ago

Admired and reviled: How Soleimani was seen in the Middle East

Al Jazeera  

Experts say killing of Soleimani, a ‘strategist’ but ‘unpopular’ among many, will not affect how Quds Force functions. As head of the elite force for more than 20 years, Soleimani was a powerful figure in Iran’s strategic objective of defending its interests and expanding its influence across the Middle East. The Quds Force is the external branch of Iran’s Islamic …

Who Is Qassem Soleimani, And Why Is His Death So Alarming?
5 years ago

Who Is Qassem Soleimani, And Why Is His Death So Alarming?

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING The Pentagon confirmed Thursday night that the U.S. was responsible for killing one of the most powerful military figures in Iran and across the Middle East. Soleimani was the head of Iran’s Quds Force, an elite unit within the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps that carries out high-level foreign operations across the Middle East and trains Shiite …

Who Is Esmail Ghaani? The New Commander Replacing Iran's Slain General Qassem Soleimani
5 years ago

Who Is Esmail Ghaani? The New Commander Replacing Iran's Slain General Qassem Soleimani

ABP News  

Esmail Ghaani was appointed Deputy Commander of the Quds Force in 1997 by IRGC Chief Commander Rahim Safavi, along with Qassem Soleimani as Chief Commander. like Trump and know how to fight against America.” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described Ghaani as "one of the most distinguished Revolutionary Guard commanders," according to Radio Farda. Tehran : Hours after Iranian Major General Qassem …

After Qassem Soleimani assassination, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appoints Esmail Ghaani head of Iran's elite Quds Forces
5 years ago

After Qassem Soleimani assassination, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appoints Esmail Ghaani head of Iran's elite Quds Forces

Firstpost  

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday appointed Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani as head of the Revolutionary Guards’ foreign operations arm, the Quds Forces, after the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, who had led the defence agency since 1998. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday appointed Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani as head of the Quds Forces, Revolutionary Guards’ …

Hours after Qasem Soleimani’s death, Iran appoints Esmail Qaani as new Quds force chief
5 years ago

Hours after Qasem Soleimani’s death, Iran appoints Esmail Qaani as new Quds force chief

India TV News  

Iran's supreme leader appointed Esmail Qaani as the new head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm after its commander, Qasem Soleimani, was killed on Friday in a US strike on Baghdad airport. “Following the martyrdom of the glorious general haj Qasem Soleimani, I name Brigadier General Esmail Qaani as the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary …

Analysis | The importance of Qasem Soleimani
5 years ago

Analysis | The importance of Qasem Soleimani

The Hindu  

Major General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s Quds Force who was killed in a U.S. air strike in Baghdad on Friday, had an illustrious career as a spymaster and military strategist and a celebratory status in Iran. Always a defender of the Islamic revolution, Soleimani reported directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and, of late, was the main …

Qassem Soleimani: Pentagon confirms US has killed leader of Iran’s Quds Force
5 years ago

Qassem Soleimani: Pentagon confirms US has killed leader of Iran’s Quds Force

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Within an hour of news breaking that Soleimani, the …

Iran's Qassem Soleimani dead: Hard-liner top general stoked violence in Iraq, then mediated the conflict to stay indispensable
5 years ago

Iran's Qassem Soleimani dead: Hard-liner top general stoked violence in Iraq, then mediated the conflict to stay indispensable

Firstpost  

In July 2018, after President Donald Trump warned Iran’s president not to threaten the United States, a rejoinder came not from the Iranian leader but from a shadowy military figure perhaps just as powerful. Baghdad: In July 2018, after President Donald Trump warned Iran’s president not to threaten the United States, a rejoinder came not from the Iranian leader but …

Who was General Qasem Soleimani and why was he so popular?
5 years ago

Who was General Qasem Soleimani and why was he so popular?

The Hindu  

Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani, who was killed Friday in a U.S. strike, was one of the most popular figures in Iran and seen as a deadly adversary by America and its allies. To his fans and enemies alike, Soleimani was the key architect of Iran's regional influence, leading the fight against jihadist forces and extending Iran's diplomatic heft in …

Who was General Qasem Soleimani?
5 years ago

Who was General Qasem Soleimani?

India TV News  

General Qasem Soleimani, the 62-year-old Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps commander, rose from humble settings to attain the status of a national hero in Iran, increasing its influence in the Middle East and becoming America's one of the most-watched foe. The Pentagon said President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military to take “decisive defensive action to protect U.S. personnel abroad by …

General Soleimani had helped US upstage Taliban in Afghanistan post-9/11
5 years ago

General Soleimani had helped US upstage Taliban in Afghanistan post-9/11

India Today  

General Qassem Soleimani had an envious resume for a clandestine operative. Deaths of Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the leader of Kataib Hezbollah - a constituent of the Popular Mobilisation Forces, comprising of 40 Shiite militia groups in Iraq - and the US's role behind the killings have been confirmed by both the US and Iran. Both came the US's …

Who was Qassem Soleimani, Iran’s IRGC’s Quds Force leader?
5 years ago

Who was Qassem Soleimani, Iran’s IRGC’s Quds Force leader?

Al Jazeera  

General Qassem Soleimani was killed alongside six others following a US air raid at Baghdad’s international airport. General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force has been killed early on Friday alongside several others following a US air raid at Baghdad’s international airport. Soleimani acquired celebrity status at home and abroad as leader of the …

Iran minister says Qassem Soleimani's killing foolish, former commander vows revenge on US
5 years ago

Iran minister says Qassem Soleimani's killing foolish, former commander vows revenge on US

India Today  

Soon after US confirmed the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, Iran foreign minister said the assassination is "extremely dangerous and a foolish escalation" of the tensions between the US and Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday the assassination of Iran Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani was "an extremely dangerous and foolish escalation." Iran's Revolutionary Guards …

Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Farm boy who became more powerful than the president
5 years ago

Iran's Qassem Soleimani: Farm boy who became more powerful than the president

India Today  

A poor farm boy who had to work to support his family as a teenager, the late Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani of Iran rose through the ranks of the Revolutionary Guards to acquire power that outstripped even the president's, commentators say. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei -- who officiated at the wedding of Qassem Soleimani's daughter -- said "severe revenge …

World reacts to US killing of Iran’s Qassem Soleimani in Iraq
5 years ago

World reacts to US killing of Iran’s Qassem Soleimani in Iraq

Al Jazeera  

Leaders across the world warn that US’s targeted killing of Iranian top general could ignite conflict in region. “The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism.” Iraq Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi condemned the attack, calling it an “aggression” on Iraq that would “spark a devastating war”. “The killing of Soleimani … was an adventurist …

Iran says it foiled a plot to kill Major General Qassem Soleimani
5 years, 3 months ago

Iran says it foiled a plot to kill Major General Qassem Soleimani

Al Jazeera  

Tehran says it arrested three people who were part of the alleged Arab-Israeli plan to kill the head of the Quds Force. A senior Iranian official says Tehran foiled a plot by Israeli and Arab spy agencies to assassinate Major General Qassem Soleimani, a senior commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. State-run media on Thursday quoted Hossein Taeb, IRGC’s …

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