Tension Arises After U.S. Kills Iran General

RYAN VIVAR Staff Writer

On Jan. 3, 2020, a high-ranking Iranian general named Qasem Soleimani was assassinated by a U.S. ordered drone strike when he was at the Baghdad Airport. According to the Pentagon, the attack was justified because Soleimani was planning to attack American troops and officials. However, no evidence has been released to support the claim that Soleimani was planning attacks. 

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have since been rising. In retaliation for losing Soleimani, and as a warning shot, Iran attacked two bases housing American troops, with no casualties. The debate on whether the initial attack was justified continues.  “I do not think that killing Qasem Soleimani was very justified at all,” freshman Joshua Martinez said. “I believe it is only further going to escalate the conflict between the United States and Iran.” 

The U.S. is now sending thousands of troops into the Middle East.