Photo:AFP

The body of slain Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani has arrived in his hometown of Kerman where he will be laid to rest later on Tuesday, according to broadcaster PRESS TV.

Soleimani, who spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, was killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad airport on January 3. His killing has ratcheted up tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Iran has declared a three-day mourning following Soleimani's death. Mourning events were held nationwide in cities including Ahvaz, Qom, Mashhad and Tehran as supporters filled the streets to pay tribute.