Franz Ferdinand respond to their band trending because of Soleimani killing: 'For the record, we think #WWIII is a bad idea'

Band is named after Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose killing precipitated the First World War

Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand performs with his bandmates in Budapest on 8 August, 2019. (ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images)

Franz Ferdinand have reacted to the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani after the band’s name started trending in relation to the slaying.

The Scottish rock band is named after the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose assassination in 1914 precipitated the First World War.

Some drew comparisons between the two killings, predicting that Soleimani’s death could trigger a major conflict.

Frontman Alex Kapranos reacted in a tweet, writing: ”This is not how I wanted to see the name of my band trending on Twitter #FranzFerdinand”

The band’s account itself also shared an ominous message that read: ”For the record, we think #WWIII is a bad idea.”

Soleimani was one of Iran’s top generals. His killing in a US airstrike, which was first reported on Thursday, has sent shockwaves across the Middle East, with Iran and its allies vowing revenge amid fears of an all-out war.

It remains unclear what the consequences of his slaying will be.

While they have vast arsenals and are within striking distance of US troops deployed in Syria, Iraq and the Gulf, Iran’s leaders may be wary of launching a retaliatory attack that could ignite a major conflict.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, which formulates the country’s military and nuclear strategy, says it has reached a decision on how to respond to the killing – but isn’t saying what the decision is.

The council’s brief statement after a special session on Friday says it investigated “the different aspects of this incident and it is announcing that the United States of America is responsible for all consequences of this criminal adventure”.

Additional reporting by agencies