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Live updates: Deadly stampede killing dozens postpones burial for slain Iranian commander Live updates: Deadly stampede killing dozens postpones burial for slain Iranian commander
(32 minutes later)
Days of touring the body of slain Iranian commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani around Iran’s cities came to a tragic end on Tuesday when a stampede erupted during the massive mourning marches through his hometown of Kerman.Days of touring the body of slain Iranian commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani around Iran’s cities came to a tragic end on Tuesday when a stampede erupted during the massive mourning marches through his hometown of Kerman.
Iranian state TV reported at least 32 people were, killed forcing the postponement of the burial. Iranian state TV reported at least 32 people were killed, forcing the postponement of the burial.
Iranian leaders have stepped up calls for revenge against the United States, with one intelligence official saying concrete retaliation plans are already being discussed.Iranian leaders have stepped up calls for revenge against the United States, with one intelligence official saying concrete retaliation plans are already being discussed.
Here’s what we know so far:Here’s what we know so far:
●Iranian state TV reported at least 32 people died and 48 were injured when a stampede erupted during the funeral ceremonies in Kerman, Soleimani’s hometown.●Iranian state TV reported at least 32 people died and 48 were injured when a stampede erupted during the funeral ceremonies in Kerman, Soleimani’s hometown.
●Security council head Ali Shamkhani says 13 scenarios are being considered, and specifically mentioned U.S. bases in the region were under surveillance.●Security council head Ali Shamkhani says 13 scenarios are being considered, and specifically mentioned U.S. bases in the region were under surveillance.
●Revolutionary Guard head Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami hinted that Israel could be a target.●Revolutionary Guard head Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami hinted that Israel could be a target.
●Iran’s foreign minister says the U.S. denied him a visa to attend a United Nations meeting in New York.●Iran’s foreign minister says the U.S. denied him a visa to attend a United Nations meeting in New York.
●The U.S. administration is drawing up potential sanctions against Iraq if the country’s leaders go through with plans to order the expulsion of U.S. troops for carrying out the attack on Iraqi soil.●The U.S. administration is drawing up potential sanctions against Iraq if the country’s leaders go through with plans to order the expulsion of U.S. troops for carrying out the attack on Iraqi soil.
ISTANBUL — The burial of slain Iranian Quds Force commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, was postponed Tuesday due to severe overcrowding and a deadly stampede that killed more than 30 people, officials said.ISTANBUL — The burial of slain Iranian Quds Force commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, was postponed Tuesday due to severe overcrowding and a deadly stampede that killed more than 30 people, officials said.
A spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a powerful security organ that includes the elite Quds Force, said that the funeral services in his hometown, Kerman, were suspended and would be held at a later date. His remarks were carried by the state-run Islamic Student News Agency.A spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a powerful security organ that includes the elite Quds Force, said that the funeral services in his hometown, Kerman, were suspended and would be held at a later date. His remarks were carried by the state-run Islamic Student News Agency.
Soleimani, a divisive but popular figure, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad last week. His funeral procession started Saturday in the Iraqi capital and included stops in the shrine cities of Karbala and Najaf, as well as Ahvaz, Mashhad, Tehran, Qom and Kerman in Iran.Soleimani, a divisive but popular figure, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad last week. His funeral procession started Saturday in the Iraqi capital and included stops in the shrine cities of Karbala and Najaf, as well as Ahvaz, Mashhad, Tehran, Qom and Kerman in Iran.
Earlier Tuesday, throngs of supporters filled the streets of Kerman, home to some half a million people, to accompany the commander’s flag-draped coffin to the local cemetery.Earlier Tuesday, throngs of supporters filled the streets of Kerman, home to some half a million people, to accompany the commander’s flag-draped coffin to the local cemetery.
As the crowds grew, a crush of people trampled their fellow mourners. At least 32 people were killed, Pirhossein Koulivand, the head of Iran’s emergency medical services, told Iran’s state broadcaster. State media earlier reported that 35 people were killed and another 48 wounded.As the crowds grew, a crush of people trampled their fellow mourners. At least 32 people were killed, Pirhossein Koulivand, the head of Iran’s emergency medical services, told Iran’s state broadcaster. State media earlier reported that 35 people were killed and another 48 wounded.
Because of the traffic, the vehicle carrying Soleimani’s body was stopped in the street leading to the cemetery, ISNA quoted the head of the commander’s funeral committee, Mehdi Sadafi, as saying.Because of the traffic, the vehicle carrying Soleimani’s body was stopped in the street leading to the cemetery, ISNA quoted the head of the commander’s funeral committee, Mehdi Sadafi, as saying.
“The Iranian people have done their duty today and the vast ocean of millions of people attending the funeral have confirmed this,” Revolutionary Guard spokesman, Ramadan Sharif, said, ISNA reported.“The Iranian people have done their duty today and the vast ocean of millions of people attending the funeral have confirmed this,” Revolutionary Guard spokesman, Ramadan Sharif, said, ISNA reported.
DUBAI — The U.S. Department of Transportation issued an alert advising U.S. commercial ships to “exercise caution” when passing through waters near Iran, citing the threat from “Iran and its proxies.”DUBAI — The U.S. Department of Transportation issued an alert advising U.S. commercial ships to “exercise caution” when passing through waters near Iran, citing the threat from “Iran and its proxies.”
The alert listed the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and the entire Indian Ocean as areas in which to be cautious.The alert listed the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and the entire Indian Ocean as areas in which to be cautious.
On Jan. 2, a U.S. airstrike killed a top Iranian commander and “the Iranian response to this action, if any, is unknown, but there remains the possibility of Iranian action against U.S. maritime interests in the region.”On Jan. 2, a U.S. airstrike killed a top Iranian commander and “the Iranian response to this action, if any, is unknown, but there remains the possibility of Iranian action against U.S. maritime interests in the region.”
Over the summer there were a whole series of incidents in the narrow waters between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula through which pass vast amounts of the world’s oil, including attacks on six commercial vessels and the seizure of three tankers.Over the summer there were a whole series of incidents in the narrow waters between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula through which pass vast amounts of the world’s oil, including attacks on six commercial vessels and the seizure of three tankers.
ISTANBUL — At least 35 people have been killed and 48 injured in a stampede at the service for slain military commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, in his hometown of Kerman, the Associated Press reported, quoting state television.ISTANBUL — At least 35 people have been killed and 48 injured in a stampede at the service for slain military commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, in his hometown of Kerman, the Associated Press reported, quoting state television.
Head of emergency services Pirhossein Koulivand told the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting that the stampede was caused by overcrowding. Videos posted on social media showed mourners wailing and attempting to revive fellow marchers who had fallen to the ground.Head of emergency services Pirhossein Koulivand told the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting that the stampede was caused by overcrowding. Videos posted on social media showed mourners wailing and attempting to revive fellow marchers who had fallen to the ground.
Earlier Tuesday, footage on state television showed a sea of mourners in the city of roughly 530,000 people.Earlier Tuesday, footage on state television showed a sea of mourners in the city of roughly 530,000 people.
BERLIN — Germany has temporarily moved all its military personnel stationed in non-Kurdish Iraqi territory to either Jordan or Kuwait, a German military spokesman said Tuesday.BERLIN — Germany has temporarily moved all its military personnel stationed in non-Kurdish Iraqi territory to either Jordan or Kuwait, a German military spokesman said Tuesday.
The announcement came after the U.S.-led international coalition fighting the Islamic State suspended its operations over safety concerns, including the training mission German service members were involved in.The announcement came after the U.S.-led international coalition fighting the Islamic State suspended its operations over safety concerns, including the training mission German service members were involved in.
A German military spokesman said the troops that were flown out of the country had been scheduled to leave even before tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated, as their rotation was coming to an end.A German military spokesman said the troops that were flown out of the country had been scheduled to leave even before tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated, as their rotation was coming to an end.
Due to the heightened tensions, they will not be replaced until further notice. German parliamentary representatives were informed about the decision on Monday.Due to the heightened tensions, they will not be replaced until further notice. German parliamentary representatives were informed about the decision on Monday.
Where U.S. troops are in the Middle East and Afghanistan, visualizedWhere U.S. troops are in the Middle East and Afghanistan, visualized
A total of 35 German service members in the district of Taji and in Baghdad were affected by the order to leave Iraq, which was completed by Tuesday morning. Around 110 more German military members are still stationed in Irbil, the regional capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, the spokesman said.A total of 35 German service members in the district of Taji and in Baghdad were affected by the order to leave Iraq, which was completed by Tuesday morning. Around 110 more German military members are still stationed in Irbil, the regional capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, the spokesman said.
The German government said it remains open to returning military personnel to Baghdad and other Iraqi bases. “In principle, we stand by the usefulness of this mission,” a military spokesman said. “The fight against the Islamic State is not over and the many achievements we have made need to be secured. The decisive factor will now be the Iraqi government,” he said.The German government said it remains open to returning military personnel to Baghdad and other Iraqi bases. “In principle, we stand by the usefulness of this mission,” a military spokesman said. “The fight against the Islamic State is not over and the many achievements we have made need to be secured. The decisive factor will now be the Iraqi government,” he said.
ISTANBUL — Thousands of mourners gathered in the Iranian city of Kerman Tuesday to observe the final burial of elite Quds Force commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani.ISTANBUL — Thousands of mourners gathered in the Iranian city of Kerman Tuesday to observe the final burial of elite Quds Force commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
The popular general, who engineered Tehran’s project building proxy forces across the Middle East, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad last week.The popular general, who engineered Tehran’s project building proxy forces across the Middle East, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad last week.
His funeral procession started in Baghdad Saturday and continued to the Iraqi Shiite shrine cities of Karbala and Najaf, as well as the Iranian cities of Ahvaz, Mashhad, Tehran and Qom.His funeral procession started in Baghdad Saturday and continued to the Iraqi Shiite shrine cities of Karbala and Najaf, as well as the Iranian cities of Ahvaz, Mashhad, Tehran and Qom.
Kerman, in southeastern Iran, is where the 62-year-old commander was born. Aerial footage broadcast on Iranian state television showed a sea of mourners dressed in black and waving red flags — signifying blood unjustly spilled — as they filled a major artery in the city. Some threw flowers at other items at the funeral cortège as it passed through the crowds.Kerman, in southeastern Iran, is where the 62-year-old commander was born. Aerial footage broadcast on Iranian state television showed a sea of mourners dressed in black and waving red flags — signifying blood unjustly spilled — as they filled a major artery in the city. Some threw flowers at other items at the funeral cortège as it passed through the crowds.
The masses of mourners in Kerman, home to about half a million people, reflected similar sized crowds in other Iranian cities.The masses of mourners in Kerman, home to about half a million people, reflected similar sized crowds in other Iranian cities.
On Monday in Tehran, hundreds of thousands of people packed into the city in a huge display of grief and anger.On Monday in Tehran, hundreds of thousands of people packed into the city in a huge display of grief and anger.
“I went to the funeral because it was important for me to show that I value someone who has sacrificed himself and his family,” said Narges, 45, a housewife in Tehran. She spoke on the condition that her full name not be used so she could discuss freely her views of the commander.“I went to the funeral because it was important for me to show that I value someone who has sacrificed himself and his family,” said Narges, 45, a housewife in Tehran. She spoke on the condition that her full name not be used so she could discuss freely her views of the commander.
At the same time, she said: “Everyone is talking about revenge but it is important to have a more measured reaction — something that is equal to what they [the Americans] did.”At the same time, she said: “Everyone is talking about revenge but it is important to have a more measured reaction — something that is equal to what they [the Americans] did.”
DUBAI — A top Iranian security official said the country has drawn up 13 scenarios to retaliate for the U.S. slaying of a prominent military commander.DUBAI — A top Iranian security official said the country has drawn up 13 scenarios to retaliate for the U.S. slaying of a prominent military commander.
Ali Shamkani, head of Iran’s National Security Council, said even the mildest of these options would be a “historical nightmare” for the United States.Ali Shamkani, head of Iran’s National Security Council, said even the mildest of these options would be a “historical nightmare” for the United States.
He added that the retaliation would “not be limited to a single operation.”He added that the retaliation would “not be limited to a single operation.”
Shamkhani declined to elaborate but specifically mentioned the many U.S. bases near the borders of Iran, saying “we’re aware of their military personnel and equipment.”Shamkhani declined to elaborate but specifically mentioned the many U.S. bases near the borders of Iran, saying “we’re aware of their military personnel and equipment.”
The killing by a U.S. airstrike of one of Iran’s most storied military commanders, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani has evoked a flurry of promises of revenge against U.S. targets, though with few specifics.The killing by a U.S. airstrike of one of Iran’s most storied military commanders, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani has evoked a flurry of promises of revenge against U.S. targets, though with few specifics.
ISTANBUL — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday that the United States had denied his request for a visa to attend a meeting at the New York headquarters of the United Nations.ISTANBUL — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday that the United States had denied his request for a visa to attend a meeting at the New York headquarters of the United Nations.
The move appears to violate an agreement the United States made with the United Nations in 1947 requiring the U.S. government to facilitate the entry of foreign officials attending the organization’s meetings.The move appears to violate an agreement the United States made with the United Nations in 1947 requiring the U.S. government to facilitate the entry of foreign officials attending the organization’s meetings.
Zarif, who spoke on the sidelines of a conference in Tehran, said he was invited by the president of the U.N. Security Council to appear at a meeting emphasizing the importance of upholding the U.N. charter.Zarif, who spoke on the sidelines of a conference in Tehran, said he was invited by the president of the U.N. Security Council to appear at a meeting emphasizing the importance of upholding the U.N. charter.
Zarif is a U.S.-educated diplomat and skilled speaker who is frequently hosted by U.S. think tanks and meets regularly with American and other foreign journalists.Zarif is a U.S.-educated diplomat and skilled speaker who is frequently hosted by U.S. think tanks and meets regularly with American and other foreign journalists.
“The visa application was submitted several weeks ago,” said Zarif, whose movements in the United States were previously restricted by the Trump administration.“The visa application was submitted several weeks ago,” said Zarif, whose movements in the United States were previously restricted by the Trump administration.
He accused the administration of attempting to portray the visa request as timed to the aftermath of the U.S. strike against Iranian military commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani.He accused the administration of attempting to portray the visa request as timed to the aftermath of the U.S. strike against Iranian military commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
“That is why their response to us was that they ‘did not have enough time to issue the visa,’” he said. “They fear that someone will reveal the realities for Americans there.”“That is why their response to us was that they ‘did not have enough time to issue the visa,’” he said. “They fear that someone will reveal the realities for Americans there.”
DUBAI — The leader of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps said Tuesday at the funeral of a colleague slain by a U.S. airstrike that locations loved by the United States would be set on fire in revenge — a possible reference to Israel.DUBAI — The leader of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps said Tuesday at the funeral of a colleague slain by a U.S. airstrike that locations loved by the United States would be set on fire in revenge — a possible reference to Israel.
Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami spoke to hundreds of thousands gathering in the southern Iranian town of Kerman, birthplace of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, leader of the guard’s Quds Force, for the final burial.Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami spoke to hundreds of thousands gathering in the southern Iranian town of Kerman, birthplace of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, leader of the guard’s Quds Force, for the final burial.
“We will set fire to the place they love and they know where that is,” said Salami, which some commentators have suggested could be Israel, as the crowd chanted “death to Israel.”“We will set fire to the place they love and they know where that is,” said Salami, which some commentators have suggested could be Israel, as the crowd chanted “death to Israel.”
U.S. strike gives Netanyahu a chance to shift focus from legal woes, but not for longU.S. strike gives Netanyahu a chance to shift focus from legal woes, but not for long
Since Friday’s killing of Soleimani, Iran’s leadership has repeatedly vowed to extract harsh revenge on U.S. military and political sites. U.S. troops and bases in the region are widely considered to be potential targets.Since Friday’s killing of Soleimani, Iran’s leadership has repeatedly vowed to extract harsh revenge on U.S. military and political sites. U.S. troops and bases in the region are widely considered to be potential targets.
Soleimani’s body has toured several cities in Iran, including the capital, Tehran, on Monday, before its final burial in Kerman.Soleimani’s body has toured several cities in Iran, including the capital, Tehran, on Monday, before its final burial in Kerman.
WASHINGTON — Senior administration officials have begun drafting sanctions against Iraq after President Trump publicly threatened the country with economic penalties if it proceeded to expel U.S. troops, according to three people briefed on the planning.WASHINGTON — Senior administration officials have begun drafting sanctions against Iraq after President Trump publicly threatened the country with economic penalties if it proceeded to expel U.S. troops, according to three people briefed on the planning.
The Treasury Department and White House will probably take a lead role if the sanctions are implemented, the officials said. Such a step would represent a highly unusual move against a foreign ally that the United States has spent almost two decades and hundreds of billions of dollars supporting.The Treasury Department and White House will probably take a lead role if the sanctions are implemented, the officials said. Such a step would represent a highly unusual move against a foreign ally that the United States has spent almost two decades and hundreds of billions of dollars supporting.
The officials emphasized that talks were preliminary and that no final decision has been made on whether to impose the sanctions.The officials emphasized that talks were preliminary and that no final decision has been made on whether to impose the sanctions.
After Trump’s threat, administration begins drafting possible sanctions against IraqAfter Trump’s threat, administration begins drafting possible sanctions against Iraq
One of the officials said the plan was to wait “at least a little while” on the sanctions decision to see whether Iraqi officials followed through on their threat to push U.S. troops out of the country.One of the officials said the plan was to wait “at least a little while” on the sanctions decision to see whether Iraqi officials followed through on their threat to push U.S. troops out of the country.
The discussion about sanctions follow Trump’s decision to kill Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani last week. In response to the killing, Iraq’s parliament voted to expel American troops from the country.The discussion about sanctions follow Trump’s decision to kill Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani last week. In response to the killing, Iraq’s parliament voted to expel American troops from the country.
WASHINGTON — After the U.S. military’s letter describing plans to reposition troops within Iraq in preparation for a possible withdrawal leaked, Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the commander of U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East. McKenzie told him the draft letter was an honest mistake, “but used other words that were a little more colorful than mistake,” Milley said.WASHINGTON — After the U.S. military’s letter describing plans to reposition troops within Iraq in preparation for a possible withdrawal leaked, Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the commander of U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East. McKenzie told him the draft letter was an honest mistake, “but used other words that were a little more colorful than mistake,” Milley said.
The U.S. military drafted the letter because it is moving forces around the region, within Iraq and from Kuwait into Iraq, and anticipates increased helicopter movement, Milley said, noting that draft letters are often coordinated with partners in advance, but are circulated without the signature of the official sending the communication.The U.S. military drafted the letter because it is moving forces around the region, within Iraq and from Kuwait into Iraq, and anticipates increased helicopter movement, Milley said, noting that draft letters are often coordinated with partners in advance, but are circulated without the signature of the official sending the communication.
Once a policy afterthought, Iraq becomes a problem for Trump administrationOnce a policy afterthought, Iraq becomes a problem for Trump administration
The leaked letter wasn’t signed. Milley said that McKenzie, the top U.S. commander overseeing the Middle East, said the letter should never have happened. “We understand U.S. government policy — nobody is leaving, there’s no onward movement, we got all that. Honest mistake. Draft,” Milley said McKenzie told him.The leaked letter wasn’t signed. Milley said that McKenzie, the top U.S. commander overseeing the Middle East, said the letter should never have happened. “We understand U.S. government policy — nobody is leaving, there’s no onward movement, we got all that. Honest mistake. Draft,” Milley said McKenzie told him.