Qassem Soleimani

Qassem Soleimani was a high-ranking Iranian military officer who led the Quds Force, a branch of Iran's Revolutionary Guard responsible for extraterritorial military operations and influence in the Middle East. He played a key role in shaping Iran’s foreign policy, supporting allied groups like Hezbollah and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and coordinating efforts in conflicts such as Syria and Iraq. Known for his strategic influence, Soleimani was considered one of the most powerful figures in Iran. He was killed in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020, which significantly impacted regional tensions and Iran-U.S. relations.