Sources: Qaani Warned Iraqi Factions Against "Provoking the Americans", 23 MARCH

  Sources: Qaani Warned Iraqi Factions Against "Provoking the Americans"

 Houthis Close Headquarters in Central Baghdad Following Advice from the Coordination Framework

Reliable sources revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat the contents of an Iranian message to leaders of Shiite factions in Iraq, which included strict instructions to "not provoke the Americans and Israelis," warning of attacks on Baghdad similar to those targeting the Houthi group in Yemen.

For weeks, Iraqi groups loyal to Tehran have shown a marked decline in their hostile activities under international pressure and US attacks on the Houthis.

The sources said that Esmail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, delivered a message from the Iranian leadership during a recent visit to Iraq.

Qaani warned the faction leaders that "US military attacks against Houthi facilities could quickly backfire on Baghdad."

Qaani called on Iraqi factions to "refrain from engaging in any military activity during this sensitive period," and stressed the need to "take further measures to stop or reduce armed manifestations."

The sources quoted a Shiite faction commander as saying that "Qaani conveyed strict instructions from the Iranian leadership urging Iraqi parties to avoid all forms of provocation against the Americans or Israelis." He said that "a single spark could open a front in Iraq." He added, "The leaders of the Iraqi factions were comforted by the message due to the intense pressure they have been facing for months."

The sources reported that "Tehran's assessment is that the Americans will not hesitate to carry out attacks against targets inside Iraq if the factions show a field response in support of the Houthis."

Reports indicated that Qaani visited the capital, Baghdad, last week and met with politicians in the "Coordination Framework" and leaders of armed factions.

Qaani's visits to Baghdad are often shrouded in secrecy, but his meetings focused on representatives of pro-Tehran groups and prominent leaders in the ruling coalition.

Reports claimed that Qaani renewed "Tehran's commitment to support its allies in Baghdad if they come under pressure from the US."  link