Iran’s Qaani Visits Baghdad for High-Level Discussions on Regional Security
Iran’s Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani visited Baghdad for talks with Iraqi leaders about regional neutrality and security control. He conveyed Iran’s stance on maintaining Iraq’s neutrality while warning against Israeli strikes. This visit occurs amid growing US pressure on Iraq regarding armed factions’ activities.
Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran’s Quds Force, made an unannounced visit to Baghdad for discussions with key Iraqi political and military figures. His meetings included leaders from the Coordination Framework, commanders from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), and Iran’s ambassador to Iraq. The central topics included Iraq’s neutrality in regional conflicts and ensuring that security control remains within state authority.
During the discussions, Qaani addressed the consequences of recent US airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthis and examined broader regional issues. He communicated Tehran’s position that Iraq should maintain a neutral stance and refrain from aligning with any faction. Notably, Qaani stated, “Iran would not remain silent if Iraq were targeted by Israeli strikes,” offering support for any response from the Iraqi government or allied factions.
This visit occurs against the backdrop of increasing US pressure on Iraq. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conveyed a stark warning during a call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, stating that actions by Iraqi armed factions against US operations in Yemen would provoke a military response within Iraq. Hegseth called for a more significant commitment from al-Sudani to disarm these factions, which is a top priority for the Trump administration.
The US warnings coincide with renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which have resumed following a ceasefire that had been established since January. This situation is further exacerbated by US military strikes targeting Houthis in Yemen, prompted by threats to maritime navigation, alongside the emergence of new Iraqi armed factions promising to defend Iraq and Yemen from US military actions.
In summary, Esmail Qaani’s unannounced visit to Baghdad signifies heightened diplomatic efforts by Iran in response to regional tensions. By engaging with Iraqi leaders, he emphasized Iraq’s need to maintain neutrality amid external pressures and assured Iranian support against any Israeli aggression. The evolving security landscape in the region remains precarious, particularly with US warnings influencing Iraqi military dynamics.
Original Source: shafaq.com
