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How the world is reacting to the US killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani

  • Many nations have expressed concerns that Donald Trump’s actions could cause severe escalation in the region

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A man distributes a poster of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani during a protest in Tehran. Photo: Xinhua

The world reacted with alarm on Friday after top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US strike in Baghdad, with many governments appealing for restraint.

The attack was praised by US President Donald Trump’s Republicans and close ally Israel, but elsewhere there were sharp warnings it could inflame regional tensions .Following are some of the reactions from around the world.

US President Donald Trump said Soleimani was “terminated” when he was on the verge of attacking US diplomats but insisted that Washington is not seeking to topple Iran’s government.

But among Democrats, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the killing risks provoking a “dangerous escalation of violence”.

Meanwhile, one of Trump’s 2020 presidential rival, Joe Biden, said “President Trump just tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox,” while another contender, Bernie Sanders, Tweeted: “The American people do not want endless war! We cannot allow Trump to drag us into war with Iran. We must prevent what would be an unmitigated disaster.”

US President Donald Trump makes a video call to the troops stationed worldwide at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach Florida. Photo: AFP via Getty Images
US President Donald Trump makes a video call to the troops stationed worldwide at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach Florida. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

Russia: “Aggravtinge”

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