Iranian Judiciary Announces Investigation Into Killing Of Qasem Soleimani

The Deputy Chief of the Iranian Judiciary has claimed that an investigation into the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of IRGC's Quds Force, is in progress.

Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020, under the order of then-President Donald Trump, who claimed Soleimani was actively planning attacks on American diplomats and service members in the region.

Kazem Gharibabadi stated, "The investigation into the crimes of suspects, including Donald Trump, Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Former US CENTCOM commander General Kenneth McKenzie, is on the agenda, and the court will start the trial and administer justice based on compelling and convincing evidence."

He further explained that the indictment related to the “assassination” of Qasem Soleimani was issued several months ago and has been submitted to the court.

“Currently, preparations for the trial are underway, with expectations that trial sessions will commence within the next two to three months.”

Since Soleimani’s killing, a member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard was charged with planning to assassinate John Bolton, the former US National Security Advisor, in retaliation for the military commander’s death. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also identified as a potential target in the same plot.

Qasem Soleimani was a key figure in Iran's external military and intelligence operations, responsible for supporting and organizing militant proxy forces, including Lebanese Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiite militia groups that have engaged in hostilities against US forces in the region.