Iran launches 'International Altruism Award' to honour 'sacrifices' of slain general Qasem Soleimani

Iran's Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution on Tuesday decided to dedicate its new "International Altruism Award" to slain General Qasem Soleimani.

Inaugurating the award had been a longtime wish of the late commander of Iran's elite Quds expeditionary force, according to semi-official Tasnim News Agency. 

General Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq on January 3, heightening tensions between the United States and Iran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who chaired the council's meeting, remarked that the millions of citizens who flooded the streets of Iran and Iraq for Soleimani's funeral denied America any international support.

"Soleimani was an outstanding and rare individual who, during a lifetime of service to revolution and republic, never once wavered in his commitment to resistance and sacrifice," Rouhani said, as he paid tribute to Soleimani.

According to Rouhani, world leaders acknowledged the gravity of Soleimani's death: "There were heads of European states who made called me and expressed utter regret for what happened, and acknowledged how destructive his assassination was to the region."

Following Rouhani's speech, members of the council unanimously approved the prize, set to be awarded to a war veteran who demonstrates "valour".

Agencies contributed to this report

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay connected