Qasem Soleimani: Part of What Is Said About Me on Social Media Is Unrealistic

Reports indicate that Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force, criticized the making of a film about himself in a letter to the director of the film "Sardar" and stated that part of what is said about his actions on social media is unrealistic and against the political and security interests of the country. According to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), Soleimani wrote in his letter to director Saeed Hassanpour: "Today (April 11, 2015) at 14:00 on Channel One news, I witnessed a report that was unbelievable to me. A few days ago, I informed the public relations officer of the IRGC of my concerns and requested that they prevent this action, while thanking the dear brothers who, out of interest in the Islamic Republic of Iran and jihad in the way of God, are pursuing such actions, but the broadcasting of this news on the national network is regrettable." ISNA reports that this documentary film addresses the actions and operations of the Quds Force in the international arena. Soleimani emphasized in his letter: "I strongly protest against everything that is said about me on social media, considering part of it exaggerated, unrealistic, and against the political and security interests of the country, and I have repeatedly conveyed this to the relevant authorities in the country." Soleimani further stated to the director of the film "Sardar": "While thanking you and other brothers and sisters, I declare that I am not only dissatisfied with such actions, but I strongly protest against them." Since last summer, when the Islamic State (ISIS) managed to capture large parts of Iraq, Iranian media have referred to Qasem Soleimani as the planner and commander of operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Previously, a senior commander of the IRGC reported on Soleimani's role in preventing the advance of ISIS forces in Iraqi Kurdistan. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the aerospace unit of the IRGC, said: "If it weren't for Iran's help, ISIS would have taken Kurdistan (Iraq). General Soleimani stood against ISIS with only 70 men and prevented their entry into Erbil." Recently, during the first major operation of the Iraqi army and Shiite militias to drive ISIS forces out of Tikrit, the birthplace of Saddam Hussein, photos of Soleimani's presence in this operation were published. Soleimani has been in command of the IRGC's border unit since 1997.