NATO calls on Iran to refrain from further violence

"Allies continue to consult & remain committed to our training mission in Iraq," he added.

Soleimani and the acting commander of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) - known as the Hash al-Shaabi - Abu Mahdi Al-Mohandes were targeted and assassinated by the US forces while they were separately leaving Baghdad airport in two cars on January 3.

In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles Wednesday at the U.S. military bases in Iraq, killing 80 American soldiers, raising the stakes in its confrontation with Washington amid fears of a wider war in the Middle East. (ILKHA)