Kasem Soleimani

Kasem Soleimani was a high-ranking Iranian military officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the commander of its Quds Force, known for orchestrating Iran's foreign military operations and supporting proxy groups across the Middle East. His influence extended into various regional conflicts, making him a key player in shaping Iran's foreign policy. Soleimani gained international notoriety for his role in the Syrian Civil War and the fight against ISIS, as well as for his leadership in supporting groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon. His assassination in January 2020 by a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, significantly impacting regional dynamics.