The US embassy in Baghdad urged its citizens to leave Iraq "immediately" after an air strike killed Iranian General Soleimani.

"US citizens should depart by air as soon as possible. If not, go to other countries by road," the statement of the US embassy in Iraq said today.

The warning came after the US air strike killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds task force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), near Iraq's Baghdad international airport earlier this morning. Security sources say Baghdad airport is still open.

The French embassy in Tehran also warned its citizens in Iran to stay away from crowded places. "Iran will hold Generalimimimani's funeral for three days. In this context, we recommend that French citizens stay away from any crowd, behave cautiously and refrain from taking photos in public," the embassy said. France in Iran wrote on Twitter today.

China also calls on all parties, especially the United States, to remain calm and refrain from avoiding further escalation of tensions. "We always oppose the use of force in international relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Canh Shuang said, adding that Iraq's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected.

Russia's Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, warned that the US air strike killing Iranian general "was a risky move and would increase tensions across the region". "Soleimani has served the cause of protecting Iran's national interests with a dedication. We express our sincere condolences to the people of Iran," the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement said.

The Pentagon said President Donald Trump had ordered "the extermination of" Soleimani "to prevent future Tehran offensive plans," accusing the Iranian general "of being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of US soldiers and allies, as well as thousands more injured. "

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani insisted Soleimani's death would make the country more determined to oppose "American expansionism and protect Islamic values". "Iran and the countries pursuing freedom will certainly avenge him," Rouhani added.