US politicians were divided across party lines with some Republican politicians mainly praising the attack, while some Democrat politicians said it was "reckless," warning that it'll likely raise tensions in the region. Iran considers the assassination of Qassem Soleimani to be an "act of war". The attack is expected to draw severe Iranian retaliation against Israel and American interests. Iran reacted quickly to the attack and appointed a new commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force: Major General Esmail Ghaani. After Friday prayers, Iranians gathered to mourn. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the country had already settled on a plan. Iran’s foreign minister Javad Zarif said in a tweet that this was a “foolish escalation” and an “act of terrorism,” threatening the US with “consequences.” Iran also summoned the Swiss charges d’affaires, who represents U.S. interests in Tehran. Iranian state television called Trump’s order to kill Soleimani “the biggest miscalculation by the U.S.” since World War II. “The people of the region will no longer allow Americans to stay," it said.

In a statement issued on Friday morning, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, said that the UN chief had “consistently advocated for de-escalation", adding that “this is a moment in which leaders must exercise maximum restraint.”  Russia condemned U.S. airstrikes that killed a powerful Iranian commander in neighboring Iraq on Friday local time as a "reckless step" that risked "regional peace and stability" in the Middle East.  The Kremlin's press service later announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin had discussed the attack with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron by phone, with both sides agreeing "this action might seriously escalate tensions in the region." Turkey said the US airstrike in Baghdad will increase instability in the region. Egypt expressed concern about the situation calling for involved parties to practice restraint.