Trump just tweeted for the first time today about the Qassem Soleimani assassination last night, saying “he got caught” plotting to kill many Americans:
General Qassem Soleimani has killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans over an extended period of time, and was plotting to kill many more…but got caught! He was directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people, including the recent large number….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020
….of PROTESTERS killed in Iran itself. While Iran will never be able to properly admit it, Soleimani was both hated and feared within the country. They are not nearly as saddened as the leaders will let the outside world believe. He should have been taken out many years ago!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020
Secretary Pompeo also discussed some of this in an interview with CNN this morning, though he wouldn’t say too much about the imminent attack:
A few hours ago Trump also retweeted this statement from the State Department urging U.S. citizens to leave Iraq immediately:
#Iraq: Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, we urge U.S. citizens to depart Iraq immediately. Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the U.S. Embassy compound, all consular operations are suspended. U.S. citizens should not approach the Embassy. pic.twitter.com/rdRce3Qr4a
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) January 3, 2020
This is likely in response to Iran threatening “harsh revenge” over Soleimani’s assassination:
Ayatollah Khamenei says “harsh revenge awaits the criminals” who killed Soleimani…"the path of Resistance will continue, and definite victory awaits the mujahideen on this this blessed path”. He also declared 3 days of national mourning.
— Alexander Marquardt (@MarquardtA) January 3, 2020