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UK pulls embassy staff from Iraq, Iran following Soleimani killing

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Thousands gather surrounding a truck containing the body of Qassem Soleimani.
Coffins of Qassem Soleimani and others are carried on a truck surrounded by mourners during a funeral procession at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) square in Tehran, Iran.(AP: Ebrahim Noroozi)

In Iran, more than 50 people have died and up to 200 were injured in a stampede during a funeral procession for General Qassem Soleimani.

Meanwhile, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has defended the drone strike which killed Iran's top general, saying the US acted because of an unspecifiied imminent threat.

European leaders are meeting today to discuss the crisis, as the UK reduces its staff at embassies in Iran and Iraq amid security concerns.

Guest: Julien Barnes-Dacey, director, Middle East and North Africa programme, European Council on Foreign Relations

Producer: Sajithra Nithi

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Iran, Islamic Republic Of, United States, Unrest, Conflict and War, Government and Politics, World Politics
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