Soleimani's Daughter Emerges as Symbol of Iran's 'Anti-American Retaliation'

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Zeinab Soleimani, daughter of Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force who was killed by the US military, is emerging as a symbol of 'anti-American retaliation' in Iran.

Known to be in her late 20s, she spoke as a speaker at her father's funeral held in Tehran on the 6th. It is unusual for a woman to take the role of a representative speaker at a public event due to Iran's religious and social customs.

This exception in conservative Iranian religious customs is interpreted as the killing of Soleimani having made a strong impression on the Iranian people.

In front of hundreds of thousands of people, Zeinab said, "The families of US troops in the Middle East will soon see their sons die," calling US President Donald Trump a 'madman' and 'gambler,' urging strong retaliation.

She then listed the names of leaders of pro-Iran armed groups such as Lebanon's Hezbollah, Palestine's Hamas, the Syrian president, Iraqi Shia militia leaders, and Yemeni rebels, saying, "My uncles, who can destroy them (the US) on their own, have declared they will retaliate."

In Iran, the private lives and families of key political and military figures are not disclosed to the public, so she was hardly known to the public.

She suddenly became known to the Iranian people when a scene of President Hassan Rouhani visiting Soleimani's home to offer condolences was broadcast on the 4th.

When President Rouhani comforted Zeinab by saying, "May Allah give you the strength to bear your grief," she responded, "Who will avenge my father?"

President Rouhani promised, "The revenge for your father will be carried out by all the Iranian people," assuring her, "You can be at ease."