JUST IN: US Arrests Niece and Grand-Niece of Late IRGC Commander Qasem Soleimani After Secretary of State Marco Rubio Revokes Their Green Cards
By Reflecto News Staff
April 4, 2026
Lahore, Pakistan – U.S. federal agents have arrested Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of slain Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Qasem Soleimani, along with her daughter (Soleimani’s grand-niece) after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their lawful permanent resident (green card) status. The pair is now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pending removal proceedings.
The State Department announced the action on April 4, 2026, describing it as part of a broader crackdown on foreign nationals with ties to the Iranian regime amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran war.
Reasons for Revocation and Arrest
According to the State Department and Secretary Rubio, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar is an outspoken supporter of Iran’s government. While living in the United States—reportedly enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles—she allegedly:
- Promoted Iranian regime propaganda on social media.
- Celebrated attacks on U.S. soldiers and military facilities in the Middle East.
- Referred to America as the “Great Satan.”
- Voiced support for the IRGC, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
- Praised Iran’s leadership, including the new Supreme Leader.
Her recently deleted Instagram account reportedly showcased this lifestyle alongside political commentary. Rubio emphasized that the family benefited from U.S. residency while backing a regime hostile to American interests. Afshar’s husband has also been barred from entering the United States.
Social media imagery associated with Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, highlighting her online presence and alleged pro-regime commentary. (Composite from public reports)
Photos linked to Hamideh Soleimani Afshar circulating in media coverage of the arrests.
Background on Qasem Soleimani
Qasem Soleimani, the powerful commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force, was killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad International Airport in January 2020 during the first Trump administration. He was widely viewed in the U.S. and by its allies as a key architect of Iranian-backed terrorism and proxy attacks across the region, including against American forces. Iran hailed him as a national hero.
Portrait of the late IRGC Commander Qasem Soleimani.
Context in the Ongoing Iran War
This high-profile immigration enforcement action occurs as the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran intensifies:
- President Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to negotiate or reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe consequences.
- Fresh U.S. and Israeli strikes have caused massive explosions in northern Tehran, Isfahan, and other areas.
- A recent strike near Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant prompted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to warn of potential radioactive fallout affecting Gulf capitals.
- Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya claims its missile capabilities remain largely intact.
- Hezbollah continues rocket attacks on northern Israel, including damage to civilian sites like a McDonald’s branch.
- Domestically, Trump has requested a record $1.5 trillion defense budget for FY2027 amid daily war costs approaching $2 billion, sparking debates over debt and spending priorities. Public approval ratings remain under pressure due to economic fallout from higher energy prices.
The arrests signal a hardening U.S. stance against Iranian influence inside America, aligning with the administration’s “maximum pressure” approach during active conflict.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who ordered the revocation of the green cards.
Reactions and Next Steps
- U.S. Officials: The move is framed as national security enforcement, removing supporters of a designated terrorist-linked regime from U.S. soil.
- Iranian Side: Tehran is expected to denounce the action as political persecution, potentially using it for propaganda amid the war.
- Legal Process: The women are in ICE custody. Removal (deportation) proceedings will follow, though challenges or appeals are possible.
This development is part of a reported broader effort by Secretary Rubio to revoke green cards and visas of several Iranian nationals with regime ties.
Reflecto News will monitor any further statements from the State Department, ICE, or Iranian officials, as well as potential diplomatic fallout in the context of the escalating Iran conflict, Strait of Hormuz tensions, and U.S. domestic debates.
This is a developing story.