US says it has arrested relatives of late Iranian ​general Qasem ​Soleimani.

Arrest of Relatives of Qasem Soleimani in the United States.

The recent arrest of relatives of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani has stirred international attention. The US State Department has announced the arrest of Soleimani's niece, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, and her daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny, citing their revoked lawful US permanent resident status.

Background and Arrest Details.

Revocation of Status.

The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced the revocation of their green cards, asserting that the women are now in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They are awaiting deportation proceedings after being accused of having connections to the Iranian regime.

Immigration History.

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar entered the United States on a tourist visa in 2015. She later received asylum in 2019 and obtained her green card in 2021. Her daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny, entered the US on a student visa in 2015 and similarly secured asylum in 2019, followed by a green card in 2023.

Allegations and Responses.

Claims of Fraudulent Asylum

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has alleged that Soleimani Afshar's asylum claims were fraudulent, based on her multiple trips to Iran after receiving her green card. The DHS states that these visits contradict her claims of persecution, which were foundational to her asylum application.

Accusations of Support for the Iranian Regime

The State Department has accused Soleimani Afshar of being an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime, labeling her social media activity as promoting Iranian propaganda. Soleimani Afshar's husband has also been barred from entering the US, although his identity has not been disclosed.

Rebuttal from Soleimani's Family.

Denial of Connection

Narjes Soleimani, the daughter of General Qasem Soleimani, has publicly refuted the US State Department's claims. She emphasized that those arrested have "no connection whatsoever" to her father, dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated.

Criticism of the US Government.

Narjes Soleimani criticized the United States for what she perceives as fabricating lies against her family and diminishing its international standing. She defended her father's legacy, portraying him as a pivotal figure in Iranian military operations.

Context of Qasem Soleimani's Influence

Role in the Middle East.

Qasem Soleimani, a highly influential military commander, led Iran's Quds Force and was instrumental in shaping Iran's military strategy across the Middle East.

Death in 2020

Soleimani was killed in a US airstrike at Baghdad airport in 2020, an action ordered by then-President Donald Trump.

The strike was a significant escalation in US-Iran tensions, with Trump justifying the decision by labeling Soleimani as a terrorist mastermind."

Impact on Current Geopolitical Climate

The arrest of Soleimani's relatives further complicates the already tense US-Iran relations and highlights ongoing geopolitical conflicts involving Iran's influence in the region. As the situation develops, it remains a focal point for international discourse on US-Iranian relations.