Iran’s Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani visited Baghdad for discussions with Iraqi leaders on ensuring regional neutrality and addressing recent U.S. airstrikes. He warned Iraq against aligning with any party and promised support against potential Israeli actions. Concurrently, U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth pressured Iraq to disarm armed factions, posing challenges to Iraq’s sovereignty amid escalating regional conflicts.
Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran’s Quds Force, conducted an unexpected visit to Baghdad aimed at high-level discussions with Iraqi political and military figures. His meetings included key figures from the Coordination Framework, commanders of armed factions, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), as well as Iran’s ambassador to Iraq. The primary focus was on establishing Iraq’s neutrality in regional disputes, especially regarding Syria, along with ensuring that security remains under government authority.
The discussions also addressed the repercussions of recent U.S. military actions against Yemen’s Houthis (Ansarallah) and the wider regional context. Qaani articulated Iran’s stance, emphasizing that Iraq should maintain a balanced diplomatic position and avoid allegiance to any single party. He warned, however, that “Iran would not remain silent if Iraq were targeted by Israeli strikes,” and expressed support for any potential military response from the Iraqi authorities or allied factions.
Qaani’s visit occurred alongside increasing pressure from the United States on Baghdad. Reports indicate that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani against any involvement of Iraqi armed factions in U.S. military operations against the Houthis in Yemen, threatening military repercussions within Iraq. Hegseth also encouraged al-Sudani to expedite the disarmament of these factions, which is a priority under President Donald Trump’s administration.
These threats are set against the backdrop of renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, terminating a fragile ceasefire established in January. They coincide with U.S. strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen following threats to maritime routes, as new Iraqi armed factions emerge, pledging “jihad” to defend Iraq and Yemen from U.S. military actions.
In conclusion, Esmail Qaani’s visit to Baghdad symbolizes Iran’s efforts to assert influence in Iraq amidst rising U.S. pressure and regional tensions. The discussions highlighted critical issues regarding Iraq’s role in regional conflicts, emphasizing neutrality while warning against foreign aggression. With the U.S. issuing stern warnings concerning militia activities, the future of Iraq’s security landscape remains uncertain as new factions seek to challenge external military interventions.
Original Source: shafaq.com
