Ahead of the first anniversary of the assassination of Iran’s Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani by the United States, both sides have said they are prepared for escalation from the other side but will not be the first to make a move.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted today, “Instead of fighting Covid in the US, [Donald Trump] & cohorts waste billions to fly B-52s & send armadas to OUR region.” He continued, “Intelligence from Iraq indicates plot to FABRICATE pretext for war. Iran doesn’t seek war but will OPENLY & DIRECTLY defend its people, security & vital interests.”