Iran tells U.N. it reserves right to self-defence
U.S. authorities and major cities saw no imminent threats on Friday from potential Iranian response.
ZURICH (Reuters) – Iran told the United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday that it reserves its right to self-defence under international law after the United States killed Qassem Soleimani, the top commander of the elite Quds Force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
Iranian U.N. Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi wrote in a letter that the killing of Soleimani “by any measure, is an obvious example of State terrorism and, as a criminal act, constitutes a gross violation of the fundamental principles of international law, including, in particular, those stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations.”
Swiss deliver U.S. message to Iran over Soleimani killing
A Swiss diplomat delivered a message from the United States to Iran on Friday over the U.S. killing of senior Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, the Swiss foreign ministry said.
“The chargé d’affaires was informed of Iran’s position and in turn delivered the message of the United States,” the ministry said in an emailed response to a Reuters query, without elaborating.
Switzerland represents the interests of the United States in Iran, allowing the two countries to maintain a diplomatic channel of communication.
‘Iran retaliation for Soleimani killing would be poor decision’
White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien said on Friday that any Iranian retaliation in response to the U.S. killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani would be a “very poor decision.”
O’Brien, briefing reporters on the U.S. operation in a conference call, said Soleimani was struck while travelling around the Middle East planning attacks against American military personnel and diplomats in the region.
Saudi Crown Prince discussed measures for reducing tensions
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed measures for reducing tension in the region in a call with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on events in Iraq on Friday, according to the state news agency.
Earlier on Friday, the ministry of foreign affairs in the kingdom called for self restraint to contain any escalation.
U.S. sees no domestic threat but New York braces for retaliation
U.S. authorities and major cities saw no imminent threats on Friday from potential Iranian retaliation over the U.S. air strike, but New York’s mayor said his city was bracing for an attack like never before.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the security threat to his frequently targeted city changed significantly overnight considering the resources of a modern, major nation such as Iran compared to those of non-state organisations like al Qaeda or ISIS.
“We have never confronted in recent decades the reality of a war with a government of a large country with an international terror network at its behest,” the mayor told a news conference.
“New Yorkers deserve to know that we have entered into a different reality,” he said.
De Blasio and senior police officials called the news conference as Iran promised vengeance in response to the U.S. attack.
Chad Wolf, acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said his agency was working with law enforcement officials and others across the country and was ready to respond to any threats, though none had yet been detected.
New York has been the target of repeated attacks on civilians, including the destruction of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, and failed attempts such as a truck bomb that did not explode in Times Square or a plot to bomb the subway that police thwarted.
In response, the New York Police Department has built intelligence and counterterrorism divisions, posting officers in 14 foreign locations.
New York police were on “heightened vigilance” and New Yorkers could expect to see more uniformed officers, some heavily armed with long guns, at sensitive areas, Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said.
Greater security is typically seen on the subway, other mass transit, and tourist attractions at times of heightened alert.
But the escalation of tensions with Iran meant “a world of difference” and “we have to assume this action puts us in a de facto state of war,” the mayor said.
Iranian proxies such as the Hezbollah militant group have previously scouted New York locations for an attack, he said. Other U.S. cities were also taking precautions.
Chicago increased security at airports and issued warnings to “stay vigilant after the holiday season,” officials said. Los Angeles police asked people to remain on alert and said they were monitoring events in Iran.
