QAANI IN BAGHDAD: THE ISSUE OF FOREIGN PRESENCE IS AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE.
A source close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard revealed on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) that the commander of the Quds Force in the Revolutionary Guard, Major General Ismail Qaani, arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on an unannounced visit.
The source told Baghdad Today in an exclusive interview that “Qaani arrived in Baghdad on a private plane, in a surprise visit that was not officially announced by either the Iraqi or Iranian sides,” indicating that “the visit’s program includes holding a series of meetings with political leaders and prominent figures in armed factions, to discuss the issue of the foreign military presence, and arrangements for the next phase on the Iraqi and regional scene.”
The source added that “Qaani’s meetings are focused on assessing recent security developments, the issue of regulating the relationship between the factions and the state, as well as discussing the ongoing dialogue between Baghdad, Tehran and Washington, and the possibilities of escalation or de-escalation in the coming months,” noting that “the visit is intended to remain out of the spotlight, given the sensitivity of the issues being discussed.”
Ismail Qaani is the current commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and he is directly responsible for managing relations with a number of Iraqi factions. He has made several visits to Baghdad in recent years, most of which were related to pivotal security and political developments in Iraq and the region.
(Mnt Goat: Why do you think he arrived in Baghdad on a private plane, in a surprise visit that was not officially announced by either the Iraqi or Iranian sides? He is fearful for his life and of being assassinated like his predecessor Solimoni. His days are numbered.)
