Trump added that he believed Iran's own leadership was privately relieved by the general's death due to his significant power. According to Trump, Soleimani was so powerful that Iran's leadership was extremely happy when he was eliminated. These statements come in a context of conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, where it is estimated that U.S. and Israeli operations have caused the deaths of approximately 40 high-ranking Iranian officials in the last month.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 1,492 Iranian civilian deaths. In addition, more than 1,110 people have died in Lebanon, and 13 U.S. service members have died in the recent hostilities, according to the New York Times.