TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Overnight, tensions are rising between the U.S. and Iran. President Trump ordered one of their top leaders killed.
Qassem Soleimani was the commander of Iran's Quds force and the second most powerful leader in Iran. He was only identified by the large red ring on his hand.
Administration officials are briefing Congressional officials. They say Soleimani was actively planning an attack and American lives were at risk.
Soleimani is also blamed for backing the two-day siege on the U.S. embassy in Iraq. Protesters were angry about U.S. Air Strikes that killed 25 militia members.
The United States has heard multiple reports that Iran will retaliate. Iran's Supreme Leader described General Soleimani as the "International Face of Resistance."
He promised on Twitter a "vigorous vengeance."
Local political expert Dr. Ed Moore says he expects the retaliation to happen quickly. He urges everyone to pay attention to what is happening.
"I would pay a lot of attention. This is a very fast moving situation and the responses will be fast," said Moore. "How we respond to the responses will determine how big this gets."
He also said that he thinks it will get very serious very quickly.
