Iraq’s prominent Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has offered condolences to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei over the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

“The news of the martyrdom of the dignified commander, Hajj Qassem Soleimani, caused great regret and sorrow. The unique role of this late [commander] during the years of fighting with the elements of Daesh in Iraq and the many hardships that he suffered in this regard are unforgettable,” Ayatollah Sistani wrote in a message on Sunday.
“I, hereby, extend my condolences for the great loss of that distinguished martyr to you, his honored children and his other esteemed relatives and to all the noble people of Iran, especially to the beloved people of Kerman. I ask Almighty God great blessing for his auspicious soul, and patience for his household,” the prominent Shia cleric added, pointing to the birthplace of the Iranian hero.
General Soleimani was an international figure who played a leading role in promoting peace and security in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria.
He was assassinated along with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), in a US airstrike in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad early on Friday.
Both commanders were admired by Muslim nations for eliminating the US-sponsored Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the region.
Iran has warned that “harsh revenge" is waiting for the US.