Boris Johnson given ‘NO warning’ by Donald Trump on Iran airstrike – but US insists it did
BORIS Johnson was given no warning by Donald Trump before the Iran rocket strike - but the US insists No10 was briefed.
Iranian general Qasem Soleimani was taken out by a drone in an attack at Baghdad Airport last night - bringing the two nations to the brink of war after Iran vowed to carry out "crushing revenge".
TENSIONS HIGH
It is believed the PM had no forewarning about the Soleimani strike from Mr Trump, despite significant UK interests and 1,400 military personnel in Iraq and Syria.
But U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo claimed he discussed the decision to "take defensive action to eliminate Qassem Soleimani" with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.
Mr Pompeo added that he is "thankful that our allies recognise the continuing aggressive threats posed by the Iranian Quds Force".
Thankful that our allies recognize the continuing aggressive threats posed by the Iranian Quds Force. The U.S. remains committed to de-escalation.
Mike Pompeo
Mr Johnson has been spending his Christmas break in sunnier climes - but could face calls to return to Westminster after MPs blasted the drone strike as "reckless".
Trump tweeted a picture of an American flag after the attack was announced, and then tweeted "Iran never won a war, but never lost a negotiation!" this afternoon.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has called for calm from both sides.
He said this morning: “We have always recognised the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qasem Soleimani.
“Following his death, we urge all parties to de-escalate.
“Further conflict is in none of our interests.”
We urge all parties to de-escalate. Further conflict is in none of our interests.
Dominic Raab
Jess Philips MP, a favourite to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader, has accused Mr Trump of “playing a game”.
She said: “Reckless foreign policy does not show strength. It's not a game.
“The consequences of the escalating tensions between the US and Iran are not to be underestimated, not just once again on the civilians in the region but on the whole world.”
While Tory backbencher David Jones said the strike could lead to “severe consquences”.
Reckless foreign policy does not show strength. It's not a game.
Jess Philips
He said: “The killing of the leader of Iran's Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, will undoubtedly lead to severe consequences in the region.
“It is essential that the Western powers remain mindful of the interests of the ordinary people of Iran.”
The US President personally approved the attack that took out Soleimani, the second most powerful person in Iran and leader of the nation's military operations in the Middle East.
ROCKET STRIKE
Two missiles fired from a MQ9 Reaper drone struck Gen Soleimani shortly after he disembarked from an aircraft at Baghdad airport.
Iraqi militia chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was also killed in the attack.
The Pentagon claimed Gen Soleimani was "actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region".
It came days after protesters attacked the US embassy in Baghdad, clashing with US forces at the scene.
BRINK OF WAR
Amir Hatami, Iran's defence minister, has threatened the US with "crushing revenge" for Gen Soleimani's "unjust assassination".
While the nation's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said "severe revenge awaits the criminals" behind the attack.
He also announced three days of public mourning.
Iran's foreign minister, Javad Zarif, described the strike as an act of "international terrorism."
He tweeted: "The US' act of international terrorism, targeting & assassinating General Soleimani - THE most effective force fighting Daesh (ISIS), Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al—is extremely dangerous & a foolish escalation.
"The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism."
MOST READ IN US NEWS
Last night's strike saw multiple missiles hit two cars carrying Gen Soleimani and several officials with Iranian-backed militias as they were leaving the airport.
Iraqi state television said that five Iraqis and two "guests" had been killed. Pictures showed burning debris on an airport road.
WHO WAS QASEM SOLEIMANI?
Qasem Soleimani became head of the Quds Force in 1998, a position in which he kept a low profile for years while he strengthened Iran's ties with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria's government and Shiite militia groups in Iraq.
He was known as 'The Shadow Commander' by his enemies, spending most of his career as a recluse and a spook.
The Quds Force, tasked with carrying out operations beyond Iran's borders, shored up support for Syria's Assad when he looked close to defeat in the civil war raging since 2011 and also helped defeat ISIS in Iraq.
Former CIA officer John Maguire said Soleimani was "the single most powerful operative in the Middle East".
Soleimani had survived several assassination attempts against him by Western, Israeli and Arab agencies over the past two decades.
The Trump administration designed Soleimani's Quds Force as a terror organisation in April last year.
He was the second most powerful person in Iran behind the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the time of his assassination.
He was hailed as a national hero by many in Iran and was awarded the Order of Zolfiqar medal, Iran's highest military honour, last year.
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