- Calendar « Qasem Soleimani
President Donald J. Trump
Palm Beach, Florida
3:13 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. Well, thank you very much. And good afternoon.
As President, my highest and most solemn duty is the defense of our nation and its citizens.
Last night, at my direction, the United States military successfully executed a flawless precision strike that killed the number-one terrorist anywhere in the world, Qasem Soleimani.
Soleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel, but we caught him in the act and terminated him.
Under my leadership, America’s policy is unambiguous: To terrorists who harm or intend to harm any American, we will find you; we will eliminate you. We will always protect our diplomats, service members, all Americans, and our allies.
For years, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its ruthless Quds Force — under Soleimani’s leadership — has targeted, injured, and murdered hundreds of American civilians and servicemen.
The recent attacks on U.S. targets in Iraq, including rocket strikes that killed an American and injured four American servicemen very badly, as well as a violent assault on our embassy in Baghdad, were carried out at the direction of Soleimani.
Soleimani made the death of innocent people his sick passion, contributing to terrorist plots as far away as New Delhi and London.
Today we remember and honor the victims of Soleimani’s many atrocities, and we take comfort in knowing that his reign of terror is over.
Soleimani has been perpetrating acts of terror to destabilize the Middle East for the last 20 years. What the United States did yesterday should have been done long ago. A lot of lives would have been saved.
Just recently, Soleimani led the brutal repression of protestors in Iran, where more than a thousand innocent civilians were tortured and killed by their own government.
We took action last night to stop a war. We did not take action to start a war.
I have deep respect for the Iranian people. They are a remarkable people, with an incredible heritage and unlimited potential. We do not seek regime change. However, the Iranian regime’s aggression in the region, including the use of proxy fighters to destabilize its neighbors, must end, and it must end now.
The future belongs to the people of Iran — those who seek peaceful coexistence and cooperation — not the terrorist warlords who plunder their nation to finance bloodshed abroad.
The United States has the best military by far, anywhere in the world. We have best intelligence in the world. If Americans anywhere are threatened, we have all of those targets already fully identified, and I am ready and prepared to take whatever action is necessary. And that, in particular, refers to Iran.
Under my leadership, we have destroyed the ISIS territorial caliphate, and recently, American Special Operations Forces killed the terrorist leader known as al-Baghdadi. The world is a safer place without these monsters.
America will always pursue the interests of good people, great people, great souls, while seeking peace, harmony, and friendship with all of the nations of the world.
Thank you. God bless you. God bless our great military. And God bless the United States of America. Thank you very much. Thank you.
END
3:18 P.M. EST
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
January 3, 2020
McConnell Speaks on the Death of Terrorist Leader Qassem Soleimani
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding world events:
‘This morning, Iran’s master terrorist is dead.
‘The architect and chief engineer for the world’s most active state sponsor of terrorism has been removed from the battlefield at the hand of the United States military.
‘No man alive was more directly responsible for the deaths of more American servicemembers than Qassem Soleimani, the leader of the Quds Force within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
‘Soleimani’s schemes and his agents killed hundreds of American servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan. He personally oversaw the state-sponsored terrorism that Iran used to kill our sons and daughters.
‘And as we’ve seen in recent days and weeks, he and his terrorists posed an ongoing and growing threat to American lives and American interests.
‘Soleimani made it his life’s work to take the Iranian revolutionary call for “death to America” and “death to Israel” and turn them into action.
‘But this terrorist mastermind was not just a threat to the United States and Israel. For more than a decade he masterminded Iran’s malevolent and destabilizing work throughout the entire Middle East. He created, sustained, and directed terrorist proxies everywhere from Yemen to Iraq to Syria to Lebanon.
‘Innocents were killed. These sovereign countries were destabilized.
‘In Syria, this leading terrorist and his agents acted as strategists, enablers, and accomplices to Bashar al-Assad’s brutal repression and slaughter of the Syrian people.
‘In Iraq, his violence expanded Iran’s influence at the expense of Iraqis themselves. His dark, sectarian vision disenfranchised countless Sunni Arabs and paved the way for the rise of ISIS.
‘And with ISIS largely defeated, Soleimani and his agents again turned their sights on controlling the Iraqi people, who through massive protests are rejecting not only a corrupt government but also Iran’s influence over it. And once again, there were Iran and its proxies, facilitating violence against these peaceful protesters.
‘For too long, this evil man operated without constraint, and countless innocents have suffered for it. Now his terrorist leadership has been ended.
‘Now — predictably enough, in this political environment — the operation that led to Soleimani’s death may prove controversial or divisive.
‘Although I anticipate and welcome a debate about America’s interests and foreign policy in the Middle East, I recommend that all senators wait to review the facts and hear from the administration before passing much public judgment on this operation and its potential consequences.
‘The administration will be briefing staff today on the situation in Iraq. We are working to arrange a classified briefing for all senators early next week.
‘For my part, I have spoken to the Secretary of Defense and I am encouraged by the steps the U.S. military is taking to defend American personnel and interests from a growing Iranian threat.
I know I speak for the entire Senate when I say that my prayers are with all American diplomats, personnel, and brave servicemembers serving in Iraq and the Middle East.
‘I am grateful for their courageous service to protect our nation.
‘Right from the outset of this new year, it is already clear that 2020 will require the Senate and our whole nation to redouble our resolve to keep America safe in this troubled world.’
RNC Research
January 3, 2020
President Trump Strikes Another Blow Against Terrorism
THE PENTAGON ANNOUNCED THURSDAY THAT U.S. FORCES HAD KILLED GEN. QASSEM SOLEIMANI, A DESIGNATED TERRORIST WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR COUNTLESS ATROCITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE
AP: The Pentagon announced Thursday that the U.S. killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, at the direction of President Donald Trump.
Top Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes was killed alongside Gen. Soleimani.
Soleimani was designated as a terrorist by the Obama Administration in 2011, and has been sanctioned many times by the Department of the Treasury.
Foundation for the Defense Of Democracies CEO Mark Dubowitz: “For two decades, Soleimani has been the most powerful, savvy & effective terrorist on the planet.”
The Washington Examiner’s Senior Political Correspondent David Drucker: It is “not debatable” that Soleimani was reasonable for “years of terrorist escalation.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "Just as Israel has the right of self-defense, the United States has exactly the same right. Qassem Soleimani is responsible for the death of American citizens and many other innocent people. He was planning more such attacks.”
PRESIDENT TRUMP’S DECISIVE ACTION CAME IN THE WAKE OF ATTACKS ON THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BAGHDAD CARRIED ORCHESTRATED BY SOLEIMANI AND CARRIED OUT BY ABU MAHDI AL-MOHANDES
His death came in the wake of attacks on the U.S. Embassy orchestrated by Soleimani and carried out by Mohandes’ was Popular Mobilization Forces.
Soleimani was also “actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.”
Mohandes’ forces wrote that Soleimani is “their commander” on the U.S. embassy compound when they attacked.
PRESIDENT TRUMP DREW PRAISE FOR BRINGING A MAN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATH OF HUNDREDS OF AMERICANS TO JUSTICE
CNN National Security Analyst Michael Weiss: Soleimani ran a proxy war that killed “at least” 603 American soldiers in Iraq.
Former FBI agent and MSNBC contributor Clint Watts: “Soleimani led an Iran- US proxy war in Iraq for the last decade."
CNN’s Jim Sciutto: Hundreds of American families watched news of Soleimani’s killing particularly closely, he engineered attacks that “that killed hundreds of US service-members & wounded thousands more.”
Former top US Senate National Security Aide: “God knows Qassem Solemani had a lot of American blood on his hands.”
The Washington Post military reporter Mike Glenn: “Qassim Solemani was directly responsible for the deaths of scores of American military personnel in Iraq.”
Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE): "General Soleimani is dead because he was an evil bastard who murdered Americans…the President made the brave and right call, and Americans should be proud of our service members who got the job done.”
Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC): President Trump “decisively took action” that saved “American lives.”
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR): "Tonight, [Soleimani] got what he richly deserved, and all those American soldiers who died by his hand also got what they deserved: justice.”
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT): Soleimani was a "depraved terrorist" who was "doubtlessly planning operations to further harm our citizens and allies."
Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA): President Trump “took incredibly decisive action” to take out Soleimani.
Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL): The President “took decisive & bold action” in taking out Soleimani.
Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI): President Trump “absolutely made the right call.”
THE U.S. STRUCK A “SIGNIFICANT” BLOW TO IRAN, ELIMINATING A CHARISMATIC MILITARY LEADER “AT THE HEIGHT OF HIS POWER”
Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies called Soleimani’s death “significant” and that the IRGC would lose “his name-brand and charisma.”
Seth Frantzman, Executive Director of The Middle East Center For Reporting And Analysis: in the deadly chess game between the U.S. and Iran “U.S. just took a rook and a bishop.”
The Jerusalem Post: “When [Soleimani] Was Killed By A U.S. Strike On Friday He Was At The Height Of His Power.”
Middle-East analyst and CNBC commentator Jake Novak: though the killing of Soleimani may not have the emotional power of the takedown of Osama bin Laden but “in many ways, taking him out means much more in terms of saving current lives.”
Fox News’ Trace Gallagher: “Very big victory for the U.S. Military tonight”
Americans for Limited Government
For Immediate Release Contact: Robert Romano
Jan. 3, 2020
President Trump right to act to make world safer from Iranian terror
Jan. 3, 2020, Fairfax, Va.—Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. elimination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Iraq:"Iranian general Qassem Soleimani was on Iraq soil when he was targeted by U.S. forces, well within the President's congressionally approved power to conduct the war in Iraq and his Article II constitutional authority to protect U.S. forces. Additionally, Solemni had been declared the leader of a terrorist organization carrying out attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq and around the world. The President acted well within the scope of law to authorize this action, and should be receiving universal praise rather than approbation by those too fearful to lead."
To view online: https://getliberty.org/2020/
Interview Availability: Please contact Americans for Limited Government at 703-383-0880 ext. 1 or at media@limitgov.org.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
JANUARY 4, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
Pelosi Statement on White House’s War Powers Act Notification of Hostilities Against Iran
San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the White House notified the Congress of the initiation of hostilities against Iran, pursuant to the War Powers Act of 1973, after conducting airstrikes against Iranian high-level military officials near Baghdad International Airport:“This classified War Powers Act notification delivered to Congress raises more questions than it answers. This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing, manner and justification of the Administration’s decision to engage in hostilities against Iran. The highly unusual decision to classify this document in its entirety compounds our many concerns, and suggests that the Congress and the American people are being left in the dark about our national security.
Bennet for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 3, 2019
CONTACT: Shannon Beckham
Bennet: Trump Is Weakest Foreign Policy President In My Lifetime
BOSTON — Michael Bennet made clear on WGBH’s Morning Edition today that he will be a Commander in Chief who restores alliances and keeps us safe, and a president at home who invests in our country and helps people live a secure middle-class life.On Iran:
“I think this was a terribly reckless and provocative act. It’s the latest in a long string of non-strategic choices that Donald Trump has made in the Middle East, that has weakened our position in the Middle East, that has strengthened Iran’s position in the Middle East. And I think you couldn’t be more naive to believe that this was going to result somehow in Iran coming to the negotiating table, rather than creating the potential for another war — which is the last thing we need in the Middle East.”
“[O]ur own War College has said in their 2000 page report that the winner of our last Iraq war was Iran. … [W]e can’t do more of this. We spent $5.6 trillion over the last 20 years to fight two wars in the Middle East. That didn’t result in any of the outcomes that the American people were promised.”
“[W]hat you’ve got to do is rebuild our alliances all over the world. … [I]n the Middle East, we have to rebuild the alliances that gave us the Iran nuclear deal, which for once was an attempt to manage a situation in the Middle East, instead of going to a war with it.”
“Donald Trump [is] the weakest foreign policy president we’ve had in my lifetime.”
Biden for President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from Vice President Joe Biden on the Killing of Qassem Soleimani
No American will mourn Qassem Soleimani’s passing. He deserved to be brought to justice for his crimes against American troops and thousands of innocents throughout the region. He supported terror and sowed chaos. None of that negates the fact that this is a hugely escalatory move in an already dangerous region. The Administration’s statement says that its goal is to deter future attacks by Iran, but this action almost certainly will have the opposite effect. President Trump just tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox, and he owes the American people an explanation of the strategy and plan to keep safe our troops and embassy personnel, our people and our interests, both here at home and abroad, and our partners throughout the region and beyond. I’m not privy to the intelligence and much remains unknown, but Iran will surely respond. We could be on the brink of a major conflict across the Middle East. I hope the Administration has thought through the second- and third-order consequences of the path they have chosen. But I fear this Administration has not demonstrated at any turn the discipline or long-term vision necessary — and the stakes could not be higher.Pete for America
Mayor Pete Buttigieg Statement on the Killing of Qassim Suleimani
SOUTH BEND, IN —This morning, Mayor Pete Buttigieg released the following statement in response to the killing of Qassim Suleimani:“The top priority of a Commander-in-Chief must be to protect Americans and our national security interests. There is no question that Qassim Suleimani was a threat to that safety and security, and that he masterminded threats and attacks on Americans and our allies, leading to hundreds of deaths. But there are serious questions about how this decision was made and whether we are prepared for the consequences.
“As a former military intelligence officer on the ground in Afghanistan, I was trained to ask the hard questions before acting. A Commander-in-Chief must do the same.
“Before engaging in military action that could destabilize an entire region, we must take a strategic, deliberate approach that includes consultation with Congress, our allies, and stakeholders in the Middle East. The lawful, constitutional role of Congress in matters of war and peace must be respected. And the American people deserve answers on how we arrived at this point, the national security infrastructure we have in place, and the basis for this decision.
“Now we must deal with the consequences of this action, beginning with the immediate and very real dangers to American citizens in and out of uniform in the Middle East. We must prepare for the impact on regional stability, complex forms of retaliation, and the potential for escalation into war.
“As we learn more in the coming days and weeks, one thing is clear: this must not be the start of another endless war. We must act wisely and deliberately, not capriciously or through Twitter. The consequences are grave, as anyone who has served in uniform understands all too well.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 3, 2020
CONTACT: Kandie Stroud
Delaney Statement on Airstrike in Iraq
Against Iranian Military Officials
"What is important at this moment in time is full coordination between the Administration and Congress to ensure the safety of all Americans in Iraq and throughout the region. That has to be our number one priority. While Soleimani was directly responsible for the deaths of countless lives, including many Americans, and was a significant danger to our troops and a destabilizing force in the region and deserved to be brought to justice for his actions against our troops, the Administration's failure to brief Congressional leadership on this action is troubling and raises the risk of reckless actions that could lead to a dangerous escalation."
___________
Friends of John Delaney
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, January 4, 2020
CONTACT: Kandie Stroud
Delaney: Soleimani Strike Highlights the Need for A Commander in Chief with a Clear Doctrine
“There are obviously consequences associated with all actions and careful planning is needed. In this case, we must prepare for retaliatory attacks and ensure U.S. citizens are safe. It is clear that the current administration is prone to act first and plan later. I pray they did a better job of preparing for contingencies in this scenario than they did with Syria.”
Delaney continued, “When Trump recklessly chose to abandon the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - which was negotiated by the US & many of our major allies + Russia and China - he took our country into an uncertain place with Iran, which is now where we unfortunately find ourselves. An unintended consequence of this escalation has been to alienate Iraq which should actually be one of our strongest allies in the region if the relationship is professionally managed. We should get back to the table and try to negotiate an improved JCPOA (with a longer term) and restore some stability to the region.”
Delaney had outlined his plan for clear goals in the Middle East during a speech at the Johns Hopkins School of Foreign Service in May last year, entitled "The Price of Greatness is Responsibility," also calling for the US to rejoin the Iran Nuclear Agreement but with “tougher terms on Iran.”
January 3, 2020
Rushed Transcript of Sanders’ Remarks on Iran
Thank you all for coming out.
Today I want to talk about some of the very important issues facing our country, but before I get to some of them I wanted to take a moment to address the events in Iraq and the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
Yesterday President Trump ordered the assassination of a top Iranian general, Qassem Suleimani, in Iraq, along with the leader of an Iraqi militia. This is a dangerous escalation that brings us closer to another disastrous war in the Middle East, which could cost countless lives and trillions more dollars and lead to even more deaths, more conflict, more displacement in that already highly volatile region of the world.
When I voted against the war in Iraq in 2002, I feared that it would result in greater destabilization in that country and in the entire region. At that time I warned about the deadly so-called unintended consequences of a unilateral invasion.
Today, 17 years later, that fear has unfortunately turned out to be a truth. United States has lost some 4500 brave men and women fighting in Iraq, tens of thousands have been wounded, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have been killed, and trillions of dollars have been spent on that war.
The result: Today, today, we have massive unrest in that country. We have corruption in that country. We have terrible poverty in that country. And now, Iraqis want American troops out.
All of that suffering, all of that death, all of that huge expenditure of money, for what?
January 4, 2020
TRANSCRIPT:
Sanders
Calls
for
Congressional Action to Stop Trump’s Middle East
Escalation
I wanted to say a few words regarding the developing situation in Iraq and Iran. As I said yesterday, I am deeply concerned that President Trump’s actions represent a dangerous escalation that brings us closer to yet another disastrous war in the Middle East—which is exactly what we do not need.
Unfortunately, similar to my concerns that I raised way back in 2002 regarding the war in Iraq, a new war with Iran could cost thousands of lives, trillions more dollars, and lead to even more deaths, more conflict, and more displacement throughout a region that is already in volatile situations. So let me say a few words about what I see as the next steps that we must take to stop Trump’s reckless actions and his impulsiveness.