U.S. Democrats Warn of Major Escalation After Iranian General Soleimani Assassination

Several of the Democratic presidential candidates warned on Thursday that the United States was heading towards major escalation and perhaps even war with Iran, following the assassination of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the attack ordered by President Donald Trump and claimed that his decision was made without consulting Congress.

"Tonight's airstrike risks provoking further dangerous escalation of violence. America — and the world — cannot afford to have tensions escalate to the point of no return," Pelosi said in a statement.

>> Top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani killed in U.S. airstrike in Iraq <<

The strike was carried out without an "authorization for use of military force" against Iran, and without the consultation of Congress, the speaker said.

"The full Congress must be immediately briefed on this serious situation and on the next steps under consideration by the Administration, including the significant escalation of the deployment of additional troops to the region," Pelosi said.

Former Vice President Joe Biden released a statement saying that “no American will mourn” the death of Soleimani, who “deserved to be brought to justice for his crimes against American troops and thousands of innocents throughout the region. He supported terror and sowed chaos.”