Hawzah News Agency - (Tehran - Iran) - Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani slammed Washington’s assassination of the top Iranian commander martyr Qassem Soleimani as a “cowardly act” that confirms “the weakness of the United States in the region.

“Soleimani’s martyrdom will make Iran more decisive to resist America’s expansionism and to defend our Islamic values. With no doubt, Iran and other freedom-seeking countries in the region will take revenge,” Rouhani said in a statement, adding that the assassination will only strengthen Iran’s resolve in resisting the US.

The Iranian President further stated that “Undoubtedly, such a villainous and cowardly measure is another sign of the US’ frustration and incapability in the region and signifies the regional nations’ aversion to this aggressive regime.”

“The Trump administration has chosen a confrontational path against Iran,” he added.

Condemning the barbaric crime by the United States, Rouhani paid tribute to General Soleimani for his efforts to protect Iran’s territorial integrity and fight against terrorism and extremism in the region.

The White House and the Pentagon confirmed the assassination of General Soleimani in Iraq, saying the attack was carried out at the direction of US President Donald Trump.