Skip to main content

Iranian commander lobbies Iraq's Muqtada al-Sadr for 'inclusive' approach to Shiite parties

Iranian Quds Force commander Esmail Ghaani is seeking to maintain unity among the Shiite political ranks before the formation of the new government, including a role for parties affiliated with Iran.
Iranian Quds Force commander Esmail Ghaani speaks during a ceremony on the occasion of the first anniversary of the death of former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, Tehran, Iran, Jan. 1, 2021.

The official website of Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist movement in Iraq, published Feb. 8 a brief statement noting that Sadr received the commander of the Iranian Quds Force, Esmail Ghaani, that same day.

The website did not publish a photo of the two during the meeting, nor did it mention any details even after it ended. However, Sadr tweeted a few hours later, “Neither Eastern nor Western — a national majority government."

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.