Washington, DC: Authorities in the United States have arrested the niece and grand niece of late Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. Their green cards have also revoked, secretary of state Marco Rubio told Reuters.
The Trump administration will not allow Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter to live in the US, Rubio said, claiming that they support anti-American terrorist regimes and that she is an outspoken supporter of Iran who celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the “Great Satan.”
“Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the state department said in a statement after Rubio revoked their green cards, Reuters reported.
“Afshar is the niece of deceased Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani. She is also an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the “Great Satan.” This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter’s legal status and they are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States,” Rubio posted on X.
“The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes,” he added, as reported by News18.
US president Donald Trump on Saturday had said Iran has 48 hours to strike a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz ‘before all hell will reign (rain) down on them’. Sharing a message on Truth Social platform, Trump reminded Tehran of his 10-day deadline over Hormuz blockade.
“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out-48 hours before all Hell will rain down on them. Glory be to GOD! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” his post read.
He had stated on March 26 that the pause on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure is being extended for an additional 10 days, until Monday, April 6, 2026, as part of the ongoing diplomatic talks between the two sides.
In a post on Truth Social, the US President claimed that the announcement comes as per a “request” from the Iranian Government and further stated that the negotiations with Tehran were “going very well”.
Tehran, however, denied any negotiations while warning against strikes against its energy infrastructure.
