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| Your Qasem Soleimani questions answered: What can the world do? | Your Qasem Soleimani questions answered: What can the world do? |
| (about 11 hours later) | |
| The United States killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Iraq on Friday. | The United States killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Iraq on Friday. |
| One of the most powerful figures in Iran, Soleimani spearheaded operations in the Middle East and his killing marks a major escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. | One of the most powerful figures in Iran, Soleimani spearheaded operations in the Middle East and his killing marks a major escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. |
| Huge crowds filled the streets of Iran's capital city for the general's funeral, while the country's supreme leader has vowed "severe revenge". | Huge crowds filled the streets of Iran's capital city for the general's funeral, while the country's supreme leader has vowed "severe revenge". |
| Why did President Trump order Soleimani's death? Will Iran retaliate? Can the rest of the world do anything to ease tensions? BBC defence and diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus answers your questions about what this action means. | Why did President Trump order Soleimani's death? Will Iran retaliate? Can the rest of the world do anything to ease tensions? BBC defence and diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus answers your questions about what this action means. |
| What could the rest of the world do to prevent further escalation? - Vignesh Subramanian | What could the rest of the world do to prevent further escalation? - Vignesh Subramanian |
| After the initial shock at the US action and its potential repercussions there have been widespread calls, even from many of Washington's closest allies, for both sides to scale down the tensions. | After the initial shock at the US action and its potential repercussions there have been widespread calls, even from many of Washington's closest allies, for both sides to scale down the tensions. |
| The Europeans have invited the Iranian Foreign minister for talks, consultations likely to focus as much on the fate of the moribund nuclear agreement with Tehran as much as the immediate crisis. But it is hard to see Iran foregoing any opportunity to strike back and even harder to imagine President Trump not following through with his threats of a massive counter-strike. | The Europeans have invited the Iranian Foreign minister for talks, consultations likely to focus as much on the fate of the moribund nuclear agreement with Tehran as much as the immediate crisis. But it is hard to see Iran foregoing any opportunity to strike back and even harder to imagine President Trump not following through with his threats of a massive counter-strike. |
| Everything depends upon how events unfold over the coming days and weeks. | Everything depends upon how events unfold over the coming days and weeks. |
| When will Iran retaliate? - Ken Angus | When will Iran retaliate? - Ken Angus |
| At a time and place of its own choosing. Iranian spokesmen have hinted that any target they hit will be military in nature, though that could be broadly defined. | At a time and place of its own choosing. Iranian spokesmen have hinted that any target they hit will be military in nature, though that could be broadly defined. |
| I suppose a key question is might Tehran be dissuaded from taking action? Either because it fears a cycle of escalation - probably doubtful - or because some alternative diplomatic avenue opens up to calm tensions - again probably doubtful. | I suppose a key question is might Tehran be dissuaded from taking action? Either because it fears a cycle of escalation - probably doubtful - or because some alternative diplomatic avenue opens up to calm tensions - again probably doubtful. |
| If Iran launches an assault on US military sites, is Nato obligated to respond under Article Five? - Mike | If Iran launches an assault on US military sites, is Nato obligated to respond under Article Five? - Mike |
| No, this is unlikely. There have been frequent attacks against US military installations in a variety of places over the past decade - none of which have prompted a Nato response. | No, this is unlikely. There have been frequent attacks against US military installations in a variety of places over the past decade - none of which have prompted a Nato response. |
| Indeed, the only time Nato's Article Five collective defence provision was activated was in the wake of the 9/11 attacks against Washington and New York. In this case, the measure was largely symbolic - a demonstration of their profound support at a time of crisis. | Indeed, the only time Nato's Article Five collective defence provision was activated was in the wake of the 9/11 attacks against Washington and New York. In this case, the measure was largely symbolic - a demonstration of their profound support at a time of crisis. |
| Nato countries are very unlikely to want to become embroiled in a direct confrontation between the US and Iran. Clearly, a number of America's Nato allies have ships or troops in the region which could potentially be in the line of fire. | Nato countries are very unlikely to want to become embroiled in a direct confrontation between the US and Iran. Clearly, a number of America's Nato allies have ships or troops in the region which could potentially be in the line of fire. |
| But if Washington is to take further action against Iran it is likely to do so alone. | But if Washington is to take further action against Iran it is likely to do so alone. |
| How might the UK be affected by these actions? Would the UK be an easier target for retaliation? - Shaun Gaisie | |
| In the first instance Iran is most likely to want to strike back at a specifically US target. But if it seeks to broaden its impact by setting the region aflame that could inevitably involve UK forces. | In the first instance Iran is most likely to want to strike back at a specifically US target. But if it seeks to broaden its impact by setting the region aflame that could inevitably involve UK forces. |
| There is a Royal Navy destroyer and frigate in the Gulf along with a supply vessel and mine-hunters. There are some 400 British troops in Iraq as part of the multinational training effort for the Iraqi military. | There is a Royal Navy destroyer and frigate in the Gulf along with a supply vessel and mine-hunters. There are some 400 British troops in Iraq as part of the multinational training effort for the Iraqi military. |
| It is very unlikely that Iran would seek to act against the UK itself, but the country has been behind numerous cyber-attacks and Iran and its proxies are widely believed to have been behind violent attacks and bombings overseas, notably in Latin America. | It is very unlikely that Iran would seek to act against the UK itself, but the country has been behind numerous cyber-attacks and Iran and its proxies are widely believed to have been behind violent attacks and bombings overseas, notably in Latin America. |
| But as I say, in the first instance it is the US that is Iran's focus. It believes that it has suffered a grievous wrong and attacking somebody else - other than US interested - hardly fits the dominant Iranian narrative. | But as I say, in the first instance it is the US that is Iran's focus. It believes that it has suffered a grievous wrong and attacking somebody else - other than US interested - hardly fits the dominant Iranian narrative. |
| A report in The Times newspaper that Iran had threatened attacks against UK troops has been strongly denied by the Iranian Ambassador in London. | A report in The Times newspaper that Iran had threatened attacks against UK troops has been strongly denied by the Iranian Ambassador in London. |
| How likely is this to escalate to WW3? - Lewis Alcott | How likely is this to escalate to WW3? - Lewis Alcott |
| While some have described the killing of Soleimani as "a declaration of war" by the United States against Iran, it is important both not to overstate nor to understate the significance of the moment. | While some have described the killing of Soleimani as "a declaration of war" by the United States against Iran, it is important both not to overstate nor to understate the significance of the moment. |
| This will not prompt World War Three. The key actors who might be involved in such a conflict, for example Russia and China, are not significant players in this drama. | This will not prompt World War Three. The key actors who might be involved in such a conflict, for example Russia and China, are not significant players in this drama. |
| But this could become a defining moment for the Middle East and for Washington's role in it. A significant Iranian retaliation is to be expected, and this could lead to a cycle of action and reaction that could bring the two countries ever closer to an all-out conflict. | But this could become a defining moment for the Middle East and for Washington's role in it. A significant Iranian retaliation is to be expected, and this could lead to a cycle of action and reaction that could bring the two countries ever closer to an all-out conflict. |
| Iran's response might be against US military interests in the region but equally it could be against any US-related target that Iran thinks vulnerable. | Iran's response might be against US military interests in the region but equally it could be against any US-related target that Iran thinks vulnerable. |
| Is it legal to kill someone like this under international law? - Eamonn Donaghy | Is it legal to kill someone like this under international law? - Eamonn Donaghy |
| The US would argue that Soleimani was responsible for unprovoked attacks on American forces in Iraq. Those forces were there at the request of the current Iraqi government. | The US would argue that Soleimani was responsible for unprovoked attacks on American forces in Iraq. Those forces were there at the request of the current Iraqi government. |
| Soleimani was a man whom Washington believed already had the blood of many US personnel on his hands. Meanwhile the Quds organisation he headed was seen by the US as a terrorist organisation. So his killing may follow a US legal narrative. | Soleimani was a man whom Washington believed already had the blood of many US personnel on his hands. Meanwhile the Quds organisation he headed was seen by the US as a terrorist organisation. So his killing may follow a US legal narrative. |
| But the noted international legal scholar, Notre Dame Law School Prof Mary Ellen O'Connell, has this view of the legal implications: | But the noted international legal scholar, Notre Dame Law School Prof Mary Ellen O'Connell, has this view of the legal implications: |
| "Pre-emptive self defence is never a legal justification for assassination. Nothing is. The relevant law is the United Nations Charter, which defines self defence as a right to respond to an actual and significant armed attack," she said. | "Pre-emptive self defence is never a legal justification for assassination. Nothing is. The relevant law is the United Nations Charter, which defines self defence as a right to respond to an actual and significant armed attack," she said. |
| "The use of a drone to kill Iranian Gen Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad was not in response to an armed attack on the United States. Iran has not attacked the sovereign territory of the United States," she said. | "The use of a drone to kill Iranian Gen Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad was not in response to an armed attack on the United States. Iran has not attacked the sovereign territory of the United States," she said. |
| "In this case, the United States has not only committed an extrajudicial killing, it has carried out an unlawful attack within Iraq." | "In this case, the United States has not only committed an extrajudicial killing, it has carried out an unlawful attack within Iraq." |
| Where does the UN stand on these killings? - Sara | Where does the UN stand on these killings? - Sara |
| Beyond the stated views of individual representatives, it is hard to say what the UN view is, since there really is no such thing. | Beyond the stated views of individual representatives, it is hard to say what the UN view is, since there really is no such thing. |
| Does one, for example, mean the considered view of the UN Security Council? That is likely to be divided and unable to reach consensus. | Does one, for example, mean the considered view of the UN Security Council? That is likely to be divided and unable to reach consensus. |
| Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply concerned by the rise in tensions in the Middle East. | Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply concerned by the rise in tensions in the Middle East. |
| "This is a moment in which leaders must exercise maximum restraint. The world cannot afford another war in the Gulf," his spokesman, Farhan Haq, said in a statement. | "This is a moment in which leaders must exercise maximum restraint. The world cannot afford another war in the Gulf," his spokesman, Farhan Haq, said in a statement. |
| Was this ordered to deflect President Trump from the impeachment trial? - Martin Gallagher | Was this ordered to deflect President Trump from the impeachment trial? - Martin Gallagher |
| It is easy to make these kind of charges but, while domestic political considerations always matter - particularly during an election year for President Trump - this decision would be a product of two factors: opportunity and circumstance. | It is easy to make these kind of charges but, while domestic political considerations always matter - particularly during an election year for President Trump - this decision would be a product of two factors: opportunity and circumstance. |
| The context seems to be the escalating attacks on US facilities in Iraq, along with vague assertions by the Pentagon about future attacks in the making. | The context seems to be the escalating attacks on US facilities in Iraq, along with vague assertions by the Pentagon about future attacks in the making. |
| And the opportunity presented itself - a further demonstration of the accuracy and reach of US intelligence - which, while far from infallible, is a factor that the Iranians will need to contend with in deciding upon any response. | And the opportunity presented itself - a further demonstration of the accuracy and reach of US intelligence - which, while far from infallible, is a factor that the Iranians will need to contend with in deciding upon any response. |
| In an election year, President Trump's main concern is to avoid the loss of US lives in the region. | In an election year, President Trump's main concern is to avoid the loss of US lives in the region. |
| This dramatic strike seems in some way out of character for a president who, while talking tough, has been characterised by remarkable caution in terms of actions. | This dramatic strike seems in some way out of character for a president who, while talking tough, has been characterised by remarkable caution in terms of actions. |
| Is there any danger of Iran pursuing a nuclear response? Does it have a nuclear capability? - Harry Rickman | Is there any danger of Iran pursuing a nuclear response? Does it have a nuclear capability? - Harry Rickman |
| No. Iran does not have a nuclear weapons programme as such, though it retains many of elements that could contribute to such a programme and the know-how to proceed with one. | No. Iran does not have a nuclear weapons programme as such, though it retains many of elements that could contribute to such a programme and the know-how to proceed with one. |
| Iran has always insisted that it does not want the bomb. But could growing frustration with Washington persuade Iran to throw off all constraints and essentially abandon its nuclear agreement with the international community altogether? That is a possibility. | Iran has always insisted that it does not want the bomb. But could growing frustration with Washington persuade Iran to throw off all constraints and essentially abandon its nuclear agreement with the international community altogether? That is a possibility. |
| The Trump administration has already abandoned the so-called JCPOA agreement or Iran nuclear deal - many analysts might say recklessly - raising the pressure on Tehran but without any clear diplomatic "off ramp" to contain the tension. | The Trump administration has already abandoned the so-called JCPOA agreement or Iran nuclear deal - many analysts might say recklessly - raising the pressure on Tehran but without any clear diplomatic "off ramp" to contain the tension. |
| What was Gen Soleimani doing in Iraq? What does the Iraqi government say about this? - Tom | What was Gen Soleimani doing in Iraq? What does the Iraqi government say about this? - Tom |
| It's not clear what precisely the general's business was in Iraq. But Iran supports a variety of influential Shia militia groups there and the man who was killed alongside him, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis - was the leader of Kataib Hezbollah (the group said to be responsible for recent rocket attacks on US bases) and the deputy commander of a coalition of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. | It's not clear what precisely the general's business was in Iraq. But Iran supports a variety of influential Shia militia groups there and the man who was killed alongside him, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis - was the leader of Kataib Hezbollah (the group said to be responsible for recent rocket attacks on US bases) and the deputy commander of a coalition of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. |
| The Iraqi government has been put in a very difficult position, especially since the attack came on its soil. It is an ally both of Iran and of the US, and US troops remain in Iraq to assist in the broader struggle against the Islamic State (IS) group. | The Iraqi government has been put in a very difficult position, especially since the attack came on its soil. It is an ally both of Iran and of the US, and US troops remain in Iraq to assist in the broader struggle against the Islamic State (IS) group. |
| The Iraqi authorities were already embarrassed by the militia attacks against bases housing US facilities. The Iraqi government both condemned recent US reprisals against this militia group while insisting to the Americans that they would do more to protect the bases. | The Iraqi authorities were already embarrassed by the militia attacks against bases housing US facilities. The Iraqi government both condemned recent US reprisals against this militia group while insisting to the Americans that they would do more to protect the bases. |
| The Iraqi prime minister's office condemned the killing of Soleimani, and described him and the militia leader killed alongside him as "martyrs" behind the "great victories against IS". The Iraqi government also insists that the US acted way beyond the terms of the agreements under which it operates in the country. | The Iraqi prime minister's office condemned the killing of Soleimani, and described him and the militia leader killed alongside him as "martyrs" behind the "great victories against IS". The Iraqi government also insists that the US acted way beyond the terms of the agreements under which it operates in the country. |
| What is the role of the US and Iran in Iraq? - Kakinga Moses | What is the role of the US and Iran in Iraq? - Kakinga Moses |
| Iran is a close ally of the Shia-led government in Iraq. It is also a significant player in the country in its own right, working through the militia groups mentioned above. The US has some 5,000 troops in Iraq, training and mentoring the Iraqi military in its effort to defeat remaining IS elements. | Iran is a close ally of the Shia-led government in Iraq. It is also a significant player in the country in its own right, working through the militia groups mentioned above. The US has some 5,000 troops in Iraq, training and mentoring the Iraqi military in its effort to defeat remaining IS elements. |
| Essentially these two outside players - the US and Iran - have been manoeuvring against each other in Iraq. | Essentially these two outside players - the US and Iran - have been manoeuvring against each other in Iraq. |
| One big question now is will a moment of crisis come that makes a continued US presence in the country untenable? | One big question now is will a moment of crisis come that makes a continued US presence in the country untenable? |
| Do you have any questions about the assassination, why it happened or what happens next? What do you want to know about the relationship between Iran, Iraq and the US? | Do you have any questions about the assassination, why it happened or what happens next? What do you want to know about the relationship between Iran, Iraq and the US? |
| In some cases your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions. | In some cases your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions. |
| Use this form to ask your question: | Use this form to ask your question: |