Iran crisis: US embassy tells its citizens to leave Iraq immediately – live updates
World reacts to news of US drone strike ordered by Donald Trump on Iranian general Qassem Suleimani in Baghdad
- Full report: Qassem Suleimani killed in drone strike ordered by Trump
- Analysis: death threatens to open grisly new chapter in Middle East
- Profile: who is Qassem Suleimani?
Experts have warned that the strike on Iran’s top general puts the US and allies, including the UK, at risk.
Ian Bond, foreign policy director at the Centre for European Reform, tweeted that the airstrike was a “big escalation” by Trump.
No doubt #Soleimani was v bad actor, w much blood on his hands. But killing non-state terrorists eg bin Laden or Baghdadi v different from killing senior official of internationally-recognised state. Big escalation by Trump, & a lawless step that increases risk to US & allies.
John Bolton said he hoped the assassination of Qassem Suleimani was “the first step to regime change in Tehran”.
The former US national security adviser tweeted his congratulations to all involved in assassinating Iran’s top general, describing the strike as long in the making.
Congratulations to all involved in eliminating Qassem Soleimani. Long in the making, this was a decisive blow against Iran’s malign Quds Force activities worldwide. Hope this is the first step to regime change in Tehran.