Soleimani family denies relation to woman arrested by US as "niece"

Editor’s Note: Roya News English has retracted its previous report regarding the arrest of alleged relatives of the late Qasem Soleimani. Following new statements from the Soleimani family in Tehran, which directly contradict the identification provided by the US State Department, we have updated this story to reflect the developing dispute over the detainees' identities.

The family of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani has issued an official denial following the arrest of two women in Los Angeles whom the US State Department identifies as his "niece and grand-niece."

In a statement released via the Fars News Agency, Zeinab Soleimani, the General’s daughter, called the US claims a "lie" and a fabrication.

"The individuals arrested in the United States have no relation to Martyr Soleimani," Zeinab Soleimani stated. "They [the U.S.] have become so wretched and helpless that they intend to distract global public opinion from their defeat... by manufacturing news and spreading lies about the family."

A second daughter, Narjes Soleimani, who serves on the Tehran City Council, echoed the denial, telling Iranian state television: "To this day, no member of the family nor any relative of Martyr Soleimani has resided in the United States."

Dispute Over Identity

The controversy centers on Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter, who were arrested Friday after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their green cards.

Rubio announced the enforcement action via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), signaling a hardening stance by the Trump administration against foreign nationals linked to the Iranian government.

 "This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter's legal status, and they are now in ICE custody pending removal from the United States," Rubio stated. "The Trump administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes."

The US government has not yet responded to the family's denial, and both women remain in ICE custody pending deportation.