Iran’s parliament designates all US forces as ‘terrorists’

The burial of top commander, Qassem Soleimani, killed in a United States drone strike has been delayed following a deadly stampede that claimed at least thirty five persons and more than forty others injured during the procession.

General Soleimani is to be laid to rest in his hometown with millions already estimated to have thronged the streets to pay their last respects.

Meanwhile, the last is yet to be heard in the faceoff between Washington and Tehran as Iranian lawmakers have unanimously voted for a motion declaring all U.S. forces as ‘terrorists’.

The vote took place during the country’s parliamentary session which also approved an expanded budget for the Quds Force, which Qassem Soleimani headed before his death.

Several residents are still thronging the streets of the late general’s hometown to pay their final respects.

The body has arrived his home town of Kerman for the burial. A service was held in a public square before his coffin was transported through the streets of the town.

The major-general was widely seen as Iran’s second most powerful figure behind the country’s 80-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The killing brought fears that long-standing tensions between the US and Iran could spiral into conflict.

US denies visa to Iranian Foreign Minister

Meanwhile, the United States has denied a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif that would have allowed him to attend a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York on Thursday.

The move comes after the Iranian Foreign minister in a tweet accused the United States of creating “global anti-US fury and a worldwide rancor”

Mr Javad Zarif blamed Washington’s hardline policies against Tehran for destabilizing the Middle East and setting back peace in the region.

The killing of General Soleimani has generated concerns around the world that a broader regional conflict could erupt.

President Trump is however facing growing criticism over the killing and his threats to attack Iran’s cultural sites.

The president had said cultural sites were among 52 identified Iranian targets that could be attacked if Iranians “torture, maim and blow up Americans.

The US and Iran have signed conventions to protect cultural heritage, including during conflict. Military attacks targeting cultural sites are considered war crimes under international law.

Although several persons are envisaging a World War III due to these recent tensions, many are concerned about the safety of ordinary citizens who may be at the receiving end of the escalating faceoff