In life, Qasem Soleimani caused death; he is now dead and still causing more of it

Four years have passed since the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, a pivotal event that continues to reverberate throughout the Middle East. Soleimani’s death, a significant event in Islamic Republic’s politics, continues to have far-reaching implications, reshaping the landscape of power and conflict in the region.

Soleimani, a prominent figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’s strategy, played a crucial role in expanding the Quds Force’s regional influence. His controversial and aggressive actions were deeply intertwined with Iran’s policies since 1979, a period marked by Iran’s active involvement in regional conflicts and support for proxy terrorist groups. His leadership style and decisions significantly influenced Iran’s foreign policy and its relations with both neighboring countries and the global community.

Iran is the most significant state supporter of terrorism, but it constantly strives to portray itself as a victim of terrorism. Nowadays, it is no longer hidden from anyone that Soleimani was a key architect of terrorist paramilitary groups across the Middle East. Yet in the aftermath of his death, tensions and unrest have continued to escalate in the Middle East.

Forces formerly under Soleimani’s command have reduced the capitals of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen to rubble with Iran’s backing. Under the cover of “Islamic resistance,” transnational terrorist networks have disrupted regional stability. Under the direction of Soleimani’s successor, Iran remains a key player in regional conflicts, destabilizing the region and exacerbating sectarian divides.

The Middle East faces a precarious future, with ongoing challenges in achieving peace and stability. Iran’s aggressive actions, coupled with internal suppression and propaganda, contribute to a volatile environment. Looking ahead, addressing these complexities and moving toward sustainable peace will require strategic and collaborative efforts from regional and international actors. The path forward is fraught with challenges, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach to Middle Eastern politics.

When Iran’s regime mourned Soleimani’s corpse, 56 people were killed, trampled underfoot. This month, on the fourth anniversary of his death, more than 80 people were killed in a blast at an event honoring the late terrorist. Those killed and wounded in the Jan. 3 incident were not clerics or senior military officials, nor were they Soleimani’s family. Rather, they were ordinary, unarmed civilians.

Tehran’s government has always promised harsh revenge for Soleimani’s death. In practice, however, it is Iranians who have suffered the consequences.

“Self-immolation” is a phrase well-known in Iranian public opinion. It refers to incidents such as the 2020 downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which killed all 167 aboard, including 82 Iranians. Such incidents serve as stark reminders of the government’s willingness to sacrifice innocents — a willingness personified by Soleimani’s actions in life.

Soleimani’s record and legacy in contemporary Iranian history is clearly negative, despite a robust propaganda campaign by Iran’s regime to turn him into an anti-terrorist national hero. During nationwide uprisings against Iran’s theocratic regime, young protesters repeatedly set fire to Soleimani statues, such that the regime had to post guards on the statues day and night in every city.

His legacy remains a contentious topic, with ongoing regional repercussions that demand a closer look.  Reflecting on the last four years, it is clear that the Middle East’s future hinges on the ability of all stakeholders to address these challenges and pursue a path toward lasting peace.

Erfan Fard is an author based in Washington, D.C. focusing on Middle Eastern regional security affairs with a particular focus on Iran and counterterrorism.