Esmail Qaani, Iran’s Quds Force Commander, visited Baghdad for talks with Iraqi leaders about Iraq’s regional neutrality and security control. He emphasized Iran’s support against Israeli strikes while warning of potential US military responses to Iraqi factions. These discussions occur amid increasing US pressure on Iraq to disarm militias and the backdrop of renewed violence in Gaza.
Esmail Qaani, the Commander of Iran’s Quds Force, made an unannounced trip to Baghdad for critical discussions with top Iraqi political and military figures, as reported by Shafaq News. His meetings included discussions with leaders from the Coordination Framework and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), along with Iran’s ambassador to Iraq.
The focus of these talks centered on Iraq’s neutrality in regional conflicts, specifically regarding Syria, and emphasized the importance of retaining security control under state authority. The discussions also reflected on the implications of recent US airstrikes against the Houthis (Ansarallah) in Yemen, alongside broader regional issues.
During the meetings, Qaani reportedly reinforced Tehran’s position, urging Iraq to maintain a balanced approach and abstain from aligning with any specific party. He issued a strong warning that Iran would respond to Israeli attacks on Iraq, expressing support for any retaliatory measures taken by the Iraqi government or aligned factions.
This visit took place amidst increasing US pressure on Iraq, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth communicating stern warnings to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. He cautioned that any actions by Iraqi armed factions opposing US operations against the Houthis would provoke a military response from the United States within Iraq.
Additionally, Hegseth urged the Iraqi Prime Minister to expedite disarmament efforts for armed factions, which is a significant goal for the US administration. In retaliation, al-Sudani reportedly assured that his government is engaged in dialogues with armed groups to work towards a resolution.
These developments are closely linked to Israel’s renewed airstrikes on Gaza, which ended a temporary ceasefire from January. Simultaneously, the US carried out strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen following threats to maritime safety, as emerging Iraqi armed groups declared their intent to “jihad” in defense of Iraq and Yemen against US military actions.
Iran’s Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani’s recent visit to Baghdad underscores the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iraq’s neutrality in conflicts and its relationship with Iran. Amid heightened threats from Israel and US military actions, Qaani’s discussions with Iraq’s leadership highlight Iran’s commitment to supporting Iraqi sovereignty while warning against foreign aggressions. The US’s insistence on disarming Iraqi factions adds complexity to the evolving geopolitical situation in the region.
Original Source: shafaq.com
