The commander of Iran’s Quds Force, Ismail Qaani, arrived in Baghdad on Tuesday to meet with the leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework, as well as representatives of armed factions loyal to Tehran, political sources said.
Local media reported that Qaani met with Hadi Al-Amiri, head of the Badr Organization, and Qais Al-Khazali, secretary-general of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, upon his arrival in the Iraqi capital.
Political and security indicators suggest that the Iranian general is working to mend an internal “rift” within the Shiite Coordination Framework forces, as well as between them and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
The Iranian official is expected to hold several meetings with the leaders of armed factions to discuss their stance on the United States and the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza.
A source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the situation within the Coordination Framework “is like a volcano on the verge of erupting, necessitating the intervention of the Iranian ally.”
The source confirmed that Qaani often steps in during such internal crises with the aim of resolving them decisively.
Moreover, the recent alleged "wiretapping" case has caused a trust crisis between the leaders of the Coordination Framework and Sudani.
Iraqi circles are awaiting the results of judicial investigations into the "wiretapping" file, while the Iraqi government is pushing to expand the investigation into the "theft of the century."
Tensions have risen between Sudani and State of Law Coalition leader Nouri Al-Maliki, particularly over competition in the upcoming parliament.
Sources did not rule out that "one of the visit's priorities is also to meet with faction leaders and discuss the regional security situation, especially developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, amid reports of a possible Israeli incursion into parts of Lebanese territory."
The sources noted that "Qaani is carrying new operational directives" for the armed groups loyal to Tehran.
