Iran declares Donald Trump wanted, issues arrest warrant
Iran has issued an arrest warrant, seeking the assistance of Interpol to arrest US President Donald Trump over the killing of top Iranian commander, Gen Qasem Soleimani, in Iraq in January.
While disclosing this on Monday June 29, 2020, Tehran prosecutor, Ali Alqasimehr, stated that Mr Trump and 35 others would face murder and terrorism charges.
He added that the assistance of the Interpol had been sought to help detain them.
The US special representative for Iran said the warrant was a propaganda stunt that nobody would take seriously.
Soleimani died in a drone strike near Baghdad International Airport ordered by Mr Trump, who said the general was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops and was planning imminent attacks.
"About 36 individuals have been identified in connection with the assassination of Qasem.
"They supervised, acted upon, and ordered it," Mr Alqasimehr said.
"This includes political and military officials from the US as well as other countries, for whom the judiciary has issued arrest warrants and the Interpol has issued Red Notices.
"Mr Trump was on the top of the list and his arrest would be sought even after his presidency had ended," the prosecutor added.
"Iran will not stop its efforts until these people are brought to justice," he declared.
US special representative Brian Hook said, "Our assessment is that Interpol does not intervene and issue Red Notices that are based on a political nature.
"This is a political nature. This has nothing to do with national security, international peace or promoting stability… It is a propaganda stunt that no-one takes seriously."
Interpol, which is based in the French city of Lyon, said that it would not consider the Iranian request for help.
Under its constitution, it was "strictly forbidden for the organisation to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character," it said.
Analysts say the issuing of the arrest warrant is little more than a symbolic gesture by Iran, but that it reflects the depth of animosity felt towards President Trump.