US says it has arrested relatives of late Iranian general Qasem Soleimani
US Confirms Arrest of Relatives of Late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani
The United States has detained the niece and grand-niece of Gen Qasem Soleimani, a prominent Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander who died in 2020. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the revocation of their lawful permanent resident status in a statement released on Saturday. The two women, identified as Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter, are now in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), awaiting deportation.
Soleimani, who was killed in a US air strike at Baghdad airport, was a key figure in Iran’s military operations across the Middle East. As head of the Quds Force, he led efforts against US interests and was widely regarded as a strategic leader. His death, ordered by then-President Donald Trump, marked a significant shift in regional dynamics.
Family Denies Allegations
“The individuals arrested in the US have no connection whatsoever to Martyr Soleimani,” said Narjes Soleimani, his daughter. She accused the State Department of fabricating lies, claiming the arrests were a reflection of the nation’s weakened position in the ongoing conflict.
Rubio’s statement highlighted that Soleimani Afshar was a “public advocate of the oppressive, terrorist regime in Iran” and had shared regime-aligned content on social media. The State Department also barred her husband from entering the country, though they did not disclose his name. The daughter’s comments challenged the government’s narrative, asserting that her mother and her were not involved in any activities linked to Soleimani.
In a national address on Wednesday, Trump revisited the strike that led to Soleimani’s death. He described the general as an “evil genius” and “brilliant person,” while emphasizing his role in the development of the roadside bomb. “Without Soleimani, Iran would have been in a stronger position in the war,” Trump added, underscoring the impact of the operation.
