Iranians nationwide commemorated the fifth anniversary of Qassem Soleimani’s assassination Thursday, with emotional gatherings and calls for unity against perceived foreign threats. The late commander, once head of the IRGC’s Quds Force, was killed in a 2020 US drone strike in Iraq—an act Iran still labels 'state terrorism.' 🕊️💔
Thousands flocked to Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla prayer hall, where leaders like President Masoud Pezeshkian and top military figures paid tribute. Posters of Soleimani, Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and other regional icons filled the venue, blending grief with defiance. 'Martyr Soleimani dedicated his life to defending the oppressed,' Pezeshkian declared, vowing to counter 'enemy plots' dividing Muslim communities.
In Kerman, Soleimani’s hometown, crowds gathered at his tomb, reflecting his enduring influence. Social media buzzed with hashtags like #ResistanceMartyrs, while state TV aired clips of his legacy—from battling ISIS to backing regional allies. 🔥🗺️
The anniversary reignites debates over US-Iran tensions, with Tehran framing Soleimani as a hero and Washington defending the strike as counterterrorism. As chants of 'Death to America' echoed in Tehran, analysts warn the memory of Soleimani remains a lightning rod for regional friction.
