The Pentagon announced earlier in the evening that the United States had killed Soleimani, Iran’s top “shadow commander” who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans. “This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans,” the Department of Defense said in the statement. “The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world.”
Trump had threatened Tuesday to retaliate against Iran after militia groups backed by the country attempted to storm the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. The president tweeted out an American flag after news of his killing was confirmed.