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U.S. Revokes Green Cards of Soleimani's Niece, Daughter

4/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of slain Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, and her daughter were arrested after the State Department revoked their green cards.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited Afshar's support for the Iranian regime and posts celebrating attacks on Americans as grounds for revocation.
Both women are in ICE custody and face deportation.
The crackdown follows rising U.S.-Iran tensions since Soleimani's 2020 assassination.

History

Historical Context

The assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani on January 3, 2020, marked a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions. Soleimani, a key figure in Iran's military strategy, was killed by a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad, prompting Iran to vow retaliation. This event followed years of rising hostilities, particularly after the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and subsequent sanctions.

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Story summary

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of slain Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, and her daughter were arrested after the State Department revoked their green cards.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited Afshar's support for the Iranian regime and posts celebrating attacks on Americans as grounds for revocation.
Both women are in ICE custody and face deportation.
The crackdown follows rising U.S.-Iran tensions since Soleimani's 2020 assassination.

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