Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Quds Force, visited Baghdad for critical discussions with Iraqi leaders concerning Iraq’s neutrality in regional conflicts, especially in Syria. Qaani advised against aligning with any party amidst increasing U.S. pressures and outlined Iran’s stance towards Iraqi security and regional stability following recent U.S. airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis.
Iran’s Quds Force Commander, Esmail Qaani, recently made a covert visit to Baghdad to engage in high-level discussions with key Iraqi political and military leaders. This visit included meetings with members of the Coordination Framework, commanders of armed factions, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), and the Iranian ambassador to Iraq, aimed at addressing Iraq’s position in regional conflicts, especially concerning Syria.
Discussions revolved around maintaining Iraq’s neutrality and ensuring that security remains under state control. Additionally, Qaani addressed the implications of recent U.S. airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis (Ansarallah) and broader regional dynamics. Reports indicate that Qaani emphasized the need for Iraq to maintain a balanced stance, cautioning that “Iran would not remain silent if Iraq were targeted by Israeli strikes,” thus reaffirming Tehran’s support for any retaliatory measures taken by Iraq or its allies.
Qaani’s visit occurs amidst increasing U.S. pressures on Baghdad. It has been noted that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently warned Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani that any response from Iraqi armed factions against U.S. operations in Yemen would be met with military action from the U.S. Hegseth also highlighted the urgency for al-Sudani to expedite efforts to disarm these factions, aligning with President Donald Trump’s administration’s priorities.
These developments unfold as Israel resumes airstrikes on Gaza, disrupting a fragile ceasefire established earlier this year. Concurrently, the U.S. has initiated strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in light of threats to maritime security, as new Iraqi armed factions emerge, declaring “jihad” to defend their territory against U.S. military actions.
In conclusion, Esmail Qaani’s unannounced visit to Baghdad underscores Iran’s active role in Iraqi affairs amidst significant geopolitical tensions. The discussions focused on maintaining Iraq’s neutrality and security integrity in the face of external pressures, particularly from the U.S. and Israel. The increasing U.S. warnings further complicate the situation as Iraqi political leaders navigate these complex dynamics with regional implications.
Original Source: shafaq.com
