Qasem Soleimani

Are Iraqi militias and Afghan fighters suppressing protests in Iran? - analysis

It’s possible Iran has used foreign groups to suppress protesters. Because they are foreigners, they have no allegiance to average Iranians and likely don’t mind harming them.

 People gather during protest on January 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.
Anti-regime protesters gather in Tehran, January 5, 2026; illustrative.

WATCH: Iran arrests 'Mossad agent' participating in ongoing nationwide protests

Iranian Jews, including Rabbi Younes Hamami Lahlezar (R), hold an anti-Israel meeting in a Tehran synagogue in solidarity with Hamas terrorists and Gaza amid the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas War, October 30, 2023; illustrative.

Iran's Jewish community maintains low profile amid nationwide protests - KAN

Qasem Soleimani, then-commander of IRGC Quds Force (L) and US President Donald Trump (R); Illustrative

Iran condemns local newspaper suggesting revenge on Trump for Soleimani assassination


Syrian regime may lose Aleppo due to Iran’s failures - analysis

Up until several days ago, the Syrian regime believed its backers in Moscow and Tehran could keep it safe.

 A rebel led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham stands in the back of a vehicle in al-Rashideen, Aleppo province, Syria November 29, 2024.

Qaani is alive, will receive medal from Khamenei, IRGC official claims - report

since the Israeli strike that targeted Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah's presumed successor, Hashem Safieddine, in southern Beirut last week, Qaani has not made a public appearance.

 Esmail Qaani, the head of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, speaks in Tehran, Iran April 14, 2022

Iranian commentator: Fiery rhetoric will be Iran's only response to IRGC assassination

According to some experts, Iran is hesitant to enter into direct conflict with Israel, especially when considering US support.

 Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting with the guests of the Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran, Iran October 3, 2023.

Trump claims Israel was part of attack on Soleimani, but pulled out last second

According to Trump, until two days before the operation, Israel was due to take direct part in the assassination itself but then got "cold feet," likely wanting to avoid direct blowback from Tehran. 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he arrives at a Manhattan courthouse, for the trial of himself, his adult sons, the Trump Organization and others in a civil fraud case brought by state Attorney General Letitia James, in New York City, U.S., October 2, 2023.

US intelligence confirms Islamic State's Afghanistan branch behind Iran blasts -sources

ISIS harbors a virulent hatred for Shi'ites -- Iran's dominant sect and targets of its affiliate's attacks in Afghanistan -- who it views as apostates.

 People gather near a body lying on the ground at the scene of explosions during a ceremony held to mark the death of late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, in Kerman, Iran, January 3, 2024

Islamic State claims responsibility for blasts near Soleimani's grave in Iran

Suicide bomber caused the first explosion at a ceremony in Iran to commemorate Soleimani, Iran claimed on Thursday.

 People gather near a body lying on the ground at the scene of explosions during a ceremony held to mark the death of late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, in Kerman, Iran, January 3, 2024

Were terrorists behind the explosions in Iran?

Developing evidence indicates that the explosions in Iran on Wednesday were not accidental, and maybe even caused by internal groups.


Iranian soccer club penalized for having Soleimani bust at match

The Saudi al-Ittihad soccer club withdrew from a match against the Iranian Sepahan club in early October.

 A bust of former IRGC Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani in a stadium in Isfahan.

Saudi soccer team withdraws from match in Iran due to Soleimani bust

Footage shared on social media showed fans of the Iranian team chanting “we don’t want politics in soccer.”

 A bust of former IRGC Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani in a stadium in Isfahan.

STRATCOM invited an Iranian propagandist. Now Congress wants answers - opinion

Far from encouraging a nuanced dialogue, STRATCOM’s invitation to Hussein Mousavian only served to legitimize him and the Iranian regime he represents.

 THEN-IRANIAN chief delegate Hussein Mousavian briefs the media after an International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, in 2004.