U.S. federal agents have detained the niece and grand-niece of late Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their lawful permanent resident status, the State Department said on Saturday. "Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement," the State Department said in a statement, adding that Rubio revoked their residency status, also known as a green card. ADVERTISEMENTThe State Department did not say where the arrests occurred. The State Department said Afshar supported Iran's government and its propaganda. Ardeshir-Larijani and Motamedi are no longer in the United States and are barred from entry, according to the State Department.

Source: The Telegraph April 05, 2026 02:03 UTC