LONDON- On Sunday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he will not mourn the death of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander who was killed on Friday in a U.S. drone strike. However, he called for restraint in response to his death.
In an emailed statement, Johnson said that Soleimani played a pivotal role in actions which led to innocent civilian and western personnel’s death and that he was responsible for a disruptive and destabilising behaviour pattern in the area. He also added that he will not lament his death and calls for reprisals simply lead to further violence.
Johnson has been in discussions regarding the rising Middle East tension to U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. To encourage de-escalation, the leaders are in close contact with all sides.
Johnson said that steps are being taken to increase the security of British personnel and interests in the region.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.