Latest news with #Soleimani
Mint
2 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Iran's Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani killed in Israeli strike, reports say. Who was he?
Israel-Iran War: In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Iran, according to The New York Times citing Iranian officials familiar with the developments. The Israeli strike took place during their extensive military operation against Iranian nuclear and military targets, known as Operation Rising Lion, launched in the early hours of Friday, 13 June. Esmail Qaani took command of Iran's Quds Force after the assassination of his predecessor, Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike in 2020 Esmail Qaani took command of Iran's Quds Force after the assassination of his predecessor, Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike in 2020. The Quds Force is an elite branch of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responsible for extraterritorial military operations and supporting proxy groups across the Middle East. Qaani began his military career during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, leading several brigades before becoming deputy commander of the Quds Force in 1997, serving under Soleimani. Unlike Soleimani, who was often seen on the frontlines with Tehran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, Qaani has maintained a lower profile, conducting meetings privately and away from public view. His leadership has coincided with increased Israeli airstrikes against Iranian proxies such as Hezbollah and other paramilitary groups. In October 2024, Qaani was reported missing after Israeli airstrikes targeted the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh. He had travelled to Lebanon following the death of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in late September. The attack also targeted Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah's presumed successor, who has also been unreachable since. Qaani commanded respect from Iran's allies, including Hezbollah, Iraqi Shi'ite militias, and the Houthis in Yemen. However, analysts note that his leadership has been less prominent, partly because he does not speak Arabic, limiting his ability to build strong relationships with Arab militias in Iraq and Lebanon. Despite this, Qaani vowed to continue Soleimani's mission of expelling US forces from West Asia. In a statement broadcast before Soleimani's funeral, he declared, 'We promise to continue martyr Soleimani's path with the same force… and the only compensation for us would be to remove America from the region.' The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that their attacks have targeted numerous senior Iranian commanders and key military installations. Alongside Qaani, at least nine other senior commanders and several nuclear scientists were reportedly killed. The strikes hit multiple locations including the Natanz nuclear site, military bases, and underground command bunkers where top Iranian military leaders convened. Among the other notable casualties were IRGC Air Force Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami, and Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri. Iranian state media confirmed the deaths of several senior officials and reported extensive damage to Iran's nuclear infrastructure, though they denied some claims made by Israel. The IDF stated that the strikes aimed to preempt planned Iranian attacks and severely cripple Iran's military capabilities. The operation is ongoing, with further attacks reported near Tabriz Airport and additional nuclear sites.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Qassem Basir: This Iranian missile can be a headache for US, Israel
What makes Qassem Basir a deadly missile Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Last month, Iran's defense ministry unveiled Qassem Basir , the country's latest solid-fueled ballistic missile, which can be a headache for the US and Israel. Qassem Basir boasts a range of at least 1,200 kilometers and is designed to evade advanced missile defense systems like the US-made THAAD and (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is an advanced anti-ballistic missile defense system developed by the United States. It is designed to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase (descent) of flight. In its class -- defending against short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at high altitude -- THAAD is arguably the best. The US reportedly transferred a second THAAD battery to Israel in May. In October last year, the US sent a THAAD battery to Israel to thwart more attacks by Iran and its allies. THAAD is a critical part of the US military's layered air defense systems and adds to Israel's already formidable anti-missile name of the missile spells vengeance as it is named after Major General Qasem Soleimani , who was killed in January 2020 in an American drone strike ordered by then US President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq, when Soleimani was going to meet the Iraqi prime minister. Commander of the Quds Force, Soleimani was considered the second most powerful person in Iran after its Supreme Leader Ali Basir, a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), marks a significant advancement in Tehran's missile capabilities. Named after General Qasem Soleimani, the missile is a successor to the Shahid Haj Qassem, introduced in 2020. With a reported range of 1,200 kilometers and enhanced guidance systems, the Qassem Basir is designed to penetrate advanced missile defense systems, making it a formidable asset in Iran's military two-stage solid-fuel motor offers rapid launch readiness and stable storage and it carries a 500 kg payload. It incorporates an electro-optical infrared seeker combined with inertial navigation, allowing terminal-phase target identification without GPS reliance. The missile is equipped with a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) capable of high-speed evasive maneuvers, enhancing survivability against Qassem Basir's advanced guidance system, featuring an infrared seeker, enables precise targeting even under electronic warfare conditions. This capability ensures that critical infrastructure, such as airfields and command centers, can be effectively missile's MaRV design allows for unpredictable reentry trajectories, complicating interception efforts by adversary missile defense systems. Iran claims a low interception rate, though independent assessments may use of solid-fuel propulsion and mobile launch platforms enhances the missile's readiness and survivability. Its deployment from civilian-looking vehicles adds a layer of deception, complicating adversary targeting modular design of the Qassem Basir suggests that it can be produced in large quantities, potentially overwhelming adversary defenses through sheer introduction of the Qassem Basir is likely to alter the strategic calculus in the Middle East. Adversaries, particularly the US and Israel, may perceive this development as a significant escalation, prompting a reassessment of defense postures and deterrence strategiesThe Qassem Basir represents a notable leap in Iran's missile technology, offering enhanced accuracy, survivability, and operational flexibility. While its full impact remains to be seen, it undeniably strengthens Iran's deterrent capabilities and could reshape regional security dynamics. As such, the Qassem Basir is indeed a game-changer in the Middle East.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Barred owl given extraordinary second chance at life after roadside rescue: 'It's really rewarding work'
Congress of the Birds, based in Providence, Rhode Island, gave new wings to a barred owl rescued by police officers in the town of Charlestown after it likely ate poison and was hit by a car, The Providence Journal reported in February. The young male owl was rescued on Jan. 27 on Route 112 near Charlestown Elementary School by officers Matthew LaPlume and Lexus Falcone, who quickly transported the injured bird to wildlife experts, per the news outlet. After more than a month of treatment, the owl completely recovered and was set free near where it was found, with expectations that it would fare well, as NBC 10 WJAR reported in March. Sheida Soleimani, founder and executive director of Congress of the Birds, believed the owl ate one or more poisoned rodents before the accident. She was impressed by how well the owl responded to treatment. "This doesn't happen all the time and this owl is really lucky," Soleimani told WJAR. "It's not all the time that we get to see a release happen. It's really rewarding work." The incident highlights how everyday pest control choices affect local wildlife. Of 36 adult barred owls treated by Congress of the Birds over roughly the past year, all showed symptoms of rat poison exposure, according to The Providence Journal. The clinic also treated a bald eagle with similar symptoms that didn't survive. To treat the rescued owl's eye injuries and facial trauma, Congress of the Birds administered oxygen therapy, vitamins, anti-inflammatory medication, and hydration. Wildlife experts encourage families to choose safer alternatives for managing rodent problems. Soleimani told The Providence Journal that she recommended ContraPest, a liquid birth control solution for rats that doesn't harm other animals in the food chain. This case demonstrates how household products such as rat poison can pose dangers to wildlife and how simple switches to safer alternatives can protect backyard visitors and apex predators such as bald eagles. The Charlestown Police Department shared its excitement about the owl's recovery in a Facebook post on Feb. 5: "Great news! The barred owl we rescued earlier this week is in good hands with Congress of the Birds, where it's receiving expert care and rehabilitation. Thanks to their dedicated team, the owl is making a strong recovery." Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. After the owl's release, the department posted again to praise its officers, who had been invited to the event, WJAR choosing wildlife-friendly pest control methods, families can protect their homes and the creatures that share our neighborhoods, including this lucky young owl getting a rare second chance. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iranian dictator's mouthpiece incites firing bullets into Trump's ‘empty skull'
The Islamist revolutionary newspaper that is widely considered the voice of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday stoked a targeted assassination of President Donald Trump. According to the Persian language article published in the mouthpiece Kayhan newspaper of Khamenei, "He's way out of line! Any day now, in revenge for the blood of Martyr Soleimani, a few bullets are going to be fired into that empty skull of his and he'll be drinking from the chalice of a cursed death." Trump ordered a drone strike in January 2020, which eliminated the U.S. global Iranian regime terrorist Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Iran has repeatedly vowed revenge assassinations targeting Trump and former officials from his first administration. According to the Trump administration, Soleimani oversaw the murders of more than 600 American military personnel. Waltz Tells Iran To Give Up Nuclear Program Or 'There Will Be Consequences' The Kayhan article comes days after Trump said he would launch bombing attacks against Iran's regime if they refused to dismantle their illicit atomic weapons program. Read On The Fox News App Trump said that "If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing," he said. "But there's a chance that if they don't make a deal, that I will do secondary tariffs on them like I did four years ago." Trump added the U.S. and officials from the Islamic Republic are "talking." Kayhan lashed out at Trump's policies in the Saturday article, writing "He makes threats and then backs down! The result? The situation in America gets worse by the day. Just yesterday, it was announced that his actions have caused $3 trillion in damage to the US economy, American exports are facing serious problems, and top officials in the military, CIA, and elsewhere have either resigned or been dismissed[.]" Jason Brodsky, the policy director of United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), told Fox News Digital that "Kayhan has repeatedly threatened to assassinate President Trump for years. Kayhan's editor Hossein Shariatmadari is a personal representative of Iran's supreme leader." "Such threats ring hollow the demands of Iranian officials for there to be 'mutual respect' during future negotiations with the United States," Brodsky continued. "At times Kayhan comes out ahead of the Iranian establishment on foreign policy issues, namely the nuclear file. For instance, Kayhan has called for years for Tehran to exit the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but it has not done so to date. However, in calls to kill President Trump, Kayhan has been in alignment with the regime given the past Iranian plots that U.S. law enforcement has disrupted." Trump Vindicated As Explosive Report Confirms Iran Supervises Houthi 'Political And Military Affairs' Brodsky added, "The Trump administration should make clear that there can be no negotiations while Iran's regime is threatening and plotting to kill American citizens. The halting of those plots should be a prerequisite to any negotiating process. The U.S. should also sanction Hossein Shariatmadari and Kayhan. The U.S. Treasury Department previously designated Iranian media networks like PressTV and Tasnim. It should do so with Kayhan as well. Canada has already sanctioned Kayhan given its record of threats." Iranian-born Israeli Beni Sabti, an expert on Iran and a research fellow for the Institute for National Security Studies, said Iran's regime "wants to unite the world against Trump and wants someone to shoot Trump, and also they want to bring the economic issue against him." Kayhan also attacked Trump's tariff policy. Sabti said the clerical regime's goal is similar to the attempted assassination of Salman Rushdie in upstate New York in 2002 because of Iranian propaganda. Fox News Digital reported that a New Jersey man, Hadi Matar, absorbed the ideology behind Tehran's fatwa to murder Rushdie because of a book, "The Satanic Verses," he wrote that, according to Iran's regime, engaged in blasphemous writing of Islam. Sabti said Khamenei "wants to make the world angry against Trump and make propaganda against America." Trump Reinstates 'Maximum Pressure' Campaign Against Iran He added "It is very good opportunity for the Trump administration to file a complaint with United Nations Security Council" against Iran's regime for threatening an American president. In November, Fox News Digital reported the Justice Department says it had thwarted an Iranian plot to kill Trump in the weeks leading up to the election. A criminal complaint filed in federal court in New York City says an unnamed official in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps had asked Farhad Shakeri, 51, of Iran, in September to "focus on surveilling, and, ultimately, assassinating, former President of the United States, Donald J. Trump." Iran's Leader Warns Us Could Receive 'Severe Slaps' Following Trump's Threats To Houthis Khamenei has been described as being hell-bent on assassinating Trump since 2020 following the former president's order to kill Soleimani in Iraq. Fox News Digital previously reported that an Iranian-produced animated video depicted the targeted assassination of Trump by the Islamic Republic that was uploaded to Khamenei's official website. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian last week "We don't avoid talks; it's the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far," according to the Associated Press. He added, "They must prove that they can build trust." The White House did not immediately respond to Iran's rejection of the talks, the AP reported. Click Here For The Fox News App Pezeshkian still noted that in Iran's response to the letter that indirect negotiations with the Trump administration were still possible. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital press query. Fox News Digital reporters Greg Norman and David Spunt contributed to this article source: Iranian dictator's mouthpiece incites firing bullets into Trump's 'empty skull'
Fox News
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Iranian dictator's mouthpiece incites firing bullets into Trump's ‘empty skull'
The Islamist revolutionary newspaper that is widely considered the voice of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday stoked a targeted assassination of President Donald Trump. According to the Persian language article published in the mouthpiece Kayhan newspaper of Khamenei, "He's way out of line! Any day now, in revenge for the blood of Martyr Soleimani, a few bullets are going to be fired into that empty skull of his and he'll be drinking from the chalice of a cursed death." Trump ordered a drone strike in January 2020, which eliminated the U.S. global Iranian regime terrorist Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Iran has repeatedly vowed revenge assassinations targeting Trump and former officials from his first administration. According to the Trump administration, Soleimani oversaw the murders of more than 600 American military personnel. The Kayhan article comes days after Trump said he would launch bombing attacks against Iran's regime if they refused to dismantle their illicit atomic weapons program. Trump said that "If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing," he said. "But there's a chance that if they don't make a deal, that I will do secondary tariffs on them like I did four years ago." Trump added the U.S. and officials from the Islamic Republic are "talking." Kayhan lashed out at Trump's policies in the Saturday article, writing "He makes threats and then backs down! The result? The situation in America gets worse by the day. Just yesterday, it was announced that his actions have caused $3 trillion in damage to the US economy, American exports are facing serious problems, and top officials in the military, CIA, and elsewhere have either resigned or been dismissed[.]" Jason Brodsky, the policy director of United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), told Fox News Digital that "Kayhan has repeatedly threatened to assassinate President Trump for years. Kayhan's editor Hossein Shariatmadari is a personal representative of Iran's supreme leader." "Such threats ring hollow the demands of Iranian officials for there to be 'mutual respect' during future negotiations with the United States," Brodsky continued. "At times Kayhan comes out ahead of the Iranian establishment on foreign policy issues, namely the nuclear file. For instance, Kayhan has called for years for Tehran to exit the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but it has not done so to date. However, in calls to kill President Trump, Kayhan has been in alignment with the regime given the past Iranian plots that U.S. law enforcement has disrupted." Brodsky added, "The Trump administration should make clear that there can be no negotiations while Iran's regime is threatening and plotting to kill American citizens. The halting of those plots should be a prerequisite to any negotiating process. The U.S. should also sanction Hossein Shariatmadari and Kayhan. The U.S. Treasury Department previously designated Iranian media networks like PressTV and Tasnim. It should do so with Kayhan as well. Canada has already sanctioned Kayhan given its record of threats." Iranian-born Israeli Beni Sabti, an expert on Iran and a research fellow for the Institute for National Security Studies, said Iran's regime "wants to unite the world against Trump and wants someone to shoot Trump, and also they want to bring the economic issue against him." Kayhan also attacked Trump's tariff policy. Sabti said the clerical regime's goal is similar to the attempted assassination of Salman Rushdie in upstate New York in 2002 because of Iranian propaganda. Fox News Digital reported that a New Jersey man, Hadi Matar, absorbed the ideology behind Tehran's fatwa to murder Rushdie because of a book, "The Satanic Verses," he wrote that, according to Iran's regime, engaged in blasphemous writing of Islam. Sabti said Khamenei "wants to make the world angry against Trump and make propaganda against America." He added "It is very good opportunity for the Trump administration to file a complaint with United Nations Security Council" against Iran's regime for threatening an American president. In November, Fox News Digital reported the Justice Department says it had thwarted an Iranian plot to kill Trump in the weeks leading up to the election. A criminal complaint filed in federal court in New York City says an unnamed official in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps had asked Farhad Shakeri, 51, of Iran, in September to "focus on surveilling, and, ultimately, assassinating, former President of the United States, Donald J. Trump." Khamenei has been described as being hell-bent on assassinating Trump since 2020 following the former president's order to kill Soleimani in Iraq. Fox News Digital previously reported that an Iranian-produced animated video depicted the targeted assassination of Trump by the Islamic Republic that was uploaded to Khamenei's official website. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian last week "We don't avoid talks; it's the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far," according to the Associated Press. He added, "They must prove that they can build trust." The White House did not immediately respond to Iran's rejection of the talks, the AP reported. Pezeshkian still noted that in Iran's response to the letter that indirect negotiations with the Trump administration were still possible. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital press query.
