TEHRAN – Several TV programs about the martyred General Qassem Soleimani are in various stages of production, director of Channel 1 at the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Broadcasting (IRIB) said.

“Seven film scripts are being written and will be completed soon,” Meysam Moradi noted. “Moreover, Sima Films (a film production studio affiliated with IRIB) is producing a series about this esteemed martyr, which will be aired next year,” Honaronline quoted him as saying.

General Qassem Soleimani was assassinated at Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020. He was accompanied by his Iraqi trenchmate, Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), and some of their deputies when they were killed at Baghdad International Airport in a U.S. drone attack, which was ordered by the U.S. President at the time, Donald Trump, and they were on a diplomatic mission when they were killed.

Both commanders, Soleimani and Al-Muhandis, gained immense respect across the Middle East for their pivotal role in combating the Daesh (ISIS) Takfiri terrorist group, particularly in Iraq and Syria.

Soleimani, born in 1957, served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and was the commander of the Quds Force from 1998 until his assassination, overseeing extraterritorial and clandestine military operations.

Having led the elite force for over two decades, General Soleimani played a crucial part in Iran's strategic efforts to safeguard its interests and extend its influence throughout the Middle East.

General Soleimani held a dual role as both the “shadow commander” of covert Iranian forces and a revered figure in an anti-American alliance that transcended sectarian boundaries across the region.

Renowned for his reserved demeanor, General Soleimani radiated charisma and intelligence, earning the respect even of those who opposed him. His influence stretched far beyond military strategy, making him a prominent and multifaceted figure in the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

General Qassem Soleimani played a significant role in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). While the Western coalition had withdrawn, Soleimani assisted Iraqis in countering ISIS, preventing further advances and contributing to the defeat of the terrorist organization in the region.

Within Iran, Soleimani emerged as a popular figure, revered for his role in resisting perceived external threats. His image became synonymous with resilience and defiance. His strategic contributions, particularly in the fight against ISIS, have left an indelible mark on the military landscape of the Middle East.

According to theater director Kourosh Zarei, in an earlier interview with the Tehran Times, prior to and more than having a military spirit, the general had a cultural spirit and that is how he could relate to the people of Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

Also, the director of the Art Bureau's Center for Dramatic Arts, Zarei noted: “After the war with the ISIS was over in Iraq and Syria, the general emphasized that cultural and artistic programs needed to be carried out in those countries. It was with his order that our filmmakers and theater directors started to make movies and produce plays there. He was of the opinion that such works would be necessary to improve the morale of the afflicted people in the war-stricken countries”.

“Regarding Iran, he also believed that cultural and artistic programs could address some issues in the society,” the stage director stated.

“Hajj Qassem advised others to do artistic and cultural work as he deeply believed in the impact of art on people and society. He encouraged his friends and the people around him especially the cultural sections of the IRGC to carry our art programs and relate to people via art,” Zarei said.

SS/SAB