Marco Rubio says he has taken away US residency from Qasim Suleimani’s niece. world News
The United States has revoked the permanent residence of a woman identified as a relative of slain Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying the move was based on her alleged support for Iran’s government.
In a statement, the State Department said Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were detained by immigration officials and are being processed for removal from the country.
Rubio said he had “terminated the legal status of both Afshar and his daughter”
, describing him as “an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans”.
The department further alleged that such views would not be tolerated under President Trump, adding that the administration would not allow the US to become a base for individuals supporting an “anti-American terrorist regime.”
Family denies link
However, Iranian media rejected the claim by Soleimani’s daughter, Zainab Soleimani, saying that the detained individuals had “no connection” to the former Quds Force chief.
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The case has raised questions about the protection of freedom of expression and whether individuals can face punitive action based on perceived political views or family ties.
The development comes amid heightened tensions following the ongoing hostilities between the US, Israel and Iran, which escalated in late February.
U.S. In recent weeks, U.S. officials have taken similar action against individuals linked to senior Iranian officials, reflecting growing domestic pressure to expel them.
