TEHRAN: Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei has commended the late Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani for his significant contributions to combating terrorism in the region. In a statement shared on his X account, Baghaei paid tribute to Soleimani on the anniversary of his death, emphasizing the general's unique leadership style.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baghaei highlighted Soleimani's approach to warfare, which he described as transcending traditional military tactics, such as the use of weapons and force. Baghaei referred to Soleimani as a "commander of hearts," suggesting that his influence was based more on moral and emotional leadership than on conventional battlefield tactics. He further remarked that great generals are not merely conquerors of geographical territories but are recognized for their enduring impact on people's hearts and minds.

Lieutenant General Soleimani, along with Abu Mahdi Muhandis, Deputy of Iraq's Hashd al-Shaabi, and their companions, were killed in a U.S. airstrike near the Baghdad airport on January 3, 2020. The operation was carried out under the direct command of then-U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions at the time.