US Arrests Relatives of Deceased Iranian General Qasem Soleimani Over National Security Concerns

The United States has taken decisive action against relatives of the late Iranian military commander, Qasem Soleimani. The niece and grand-niece of Soleimani, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter, have been arrested by US authorities, according to a statement from the State Department.

Their lawful permanent resident status in the United States was revoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both women are now in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), pending removal from the country.

Gen Qasem Soleimani was the commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force, widely recognized as the country’s most powerful military figure. He was killed in a US air strike at Baghdad airport in 2020, a strike ordered by then-President Donald Trump. Several Iran-backed militia leaders were also killed in the same operation.

According to the State Department, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar has been an “outspoken supporter of the totalitarian, terrorist regime in Iran.” Authorities claim that she has actively promoted Iranian regime propaganda through her social media accounts.

The State Department further stated that Soleimani Afshar’s husband has also been barred from entering the US, although the agency did not provide specific details about her husband or daughter. Senator Rubio emphasized that the women were “green card holders living lavishly in the United States” while allegedly supporting a foreign regime engaged in activities against US interests.

Gen Qasem Soleimani had significant influence over Iranian military operations across the Middle East. As head of the Quds Force, he was involved in planning and executing military strategies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and elsewhere. His death was considered a major strategic blow to Iran’s regional power projection.

In public remarks, former President Donald Trump described Soleimani as an “evil genius” and a central figure in orchestrating roadside bomb attacks. Trump noted that Iran’s military might could have been stronger had Soleimani still been alive, highlighting the commander’s critical role in regional conflicts.

The US government’s recent arrest of Soleimani’s relatives reflects ongoing national security concerns and the effort to prevent foreign influence and propaganda from spreading within the United States. The move is also a reminder of the continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over military operations, sanctions, and influence in the Middle East.

By targeting family members of a high-profile military figure like Qasem Soleimani, US authorities are signaling a broader enforcement strategy against individuals supporting regimes considered hostile to US interests. These arrests are likely to draw attention both domestically and internationally as relations with Iran remain highly sensitive.

Courtesy: BBC