World's news outlets react to killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani

The killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a US airstrike at Baghdad Airport has dominated the news headlines across the world.

As Iran promised retaliation, news organisations documented the potential fallout of the move by Donald Trump as well as the history that led to the moment on Friday morning.

The BBC’s main story was headlined: “Top Iranian general killed by US in Iraq”, while the Sky News headline on its front page was: “US forces kill top Iranian general in airstrike on Baghdad airport”.

Iran’s state broadcaster PressTV wrote: “US assassinates Iran’s Gen. Soleimani, Iraqi PMU deputy head.”

Many news outlets focused on the fact the airstrike was ordered by Donald Trump - a move that has led to some criticism from his rivals in the US, with some questioning the authority he had to do so.

Mail Online’s headline read: “Donald Deals Death”, while The New York Times’ main story carried the headline: “US Strike Ordered by Trump Kills Powerful Iranian Commander”.

The Metro also focused on President Trump’s involvement, headlining its main story: “Donald Trump orders airstrike that kills second most powerful man in Iran”.

Other publications were quick moved to the possible fallout of the US airstrike, referring to Iran’s vows of “harsh vengeance” and retaliation.

Russia’s Moscow Times focused on the reaction to the killing and possible escalation of tensions, with the headline: “Russian Senator Calls U.S. Killing of Top Iranian General ‘Worst Case Scenario’, Expects New U.S-Iran Clashes”.

The Independent’s headline read: “Iran vows ‘harsh vengeance’ after top general killed in US airstrike” while Aljazeera’s said: “Iran vows ‘harsh’ response after US kills commander”.

Fox News wrote: “Iran vows ‘harsh retaliation”, with the subheader: “Tehran blasts US for act of ‘terrorism’ after killing top general, ‘foot beyond the red line’.”

READ MORE

Everything you need to know about Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian general killed in a US air strike

Soleimani, a general who became Iran icon by targeting US

UK tabloid newspaper The Sun wrote: “‘Act of War’ US kills top Iran general in rocket strike as Tehran vows ‘crushing revenge’.

In the US, the New York Post ran stories on both the strike itself and threats of revenge from Iran, but its main story focused on criticism of Donald Trump by Democratic candidates, with the headline: “Democratic candidates sound off on US attack that killed top Iranian general.”