Iran’s Quds Force Chief Flies Into Baghdad for Urgent Talks With Shia Militia Leaders

Iran’s top shadow commander holds high-stakes meetings in Iraq as Baghdad weighs disarming armed factions and Shia groups delay their promised revenge against the US and Saudi Arabia

Iran’s Quds Commander Arrives in Baghdad

Iran’s Quds Force commander Ismail Qaani landed in Baghdad for a round of urgent, high-level talks. He met face-to-face with the leadership of Iraq’s powerful Shia militia umbrella group the Popular Mobilization Forces, widely known as the PMF or Al-Hashd al-Shaabi. The visit confirmed by informed sources signals Tehran’s deep concern over fast-moving developments in Iraq.

Agenda: Disarmament Plans on the Table

The meetings were centered on a sensitive subject. Baghdad’s government is actively working on plans to disarm dozens of armed factions operating across Iraq. For the PMF and its constituent groups, this poses an existential challenge and Iran’s Quds Force clearly wants a say in how things unfold.

Qaani also held discussions with armed faction commanders and politicians belonging to the Shia Coordination Council a coalition that holds significant clout in Iraqi politics.

Revenge Delayed But Not Abandoned

The backdrop to this visit is explosive. On July 29, US and Saudi forces launched joint strikes on PMF positions, killing 20 fighters. Iraqi Shia factions immediately vowed retaliation against the United States and its allies making clear that the response would come.

But the reprisal has been pushed back not once, but several times. First, the Arbaeen religious pilgrimage required attention. Then, several Iraqi political voices urged restraint and called against immediate escalation. The delay has stretched on yet the threat of a response remains very much alive.

A High-Wire Balancing Act

Qaani’s Baghdad visit comes at a moment of acute pressure. Iran faces the twin challenge of managing militia loyalty while avoiding a broader conflict that could spiral out of control. The disarmament question adds yet another layer of complexity one that Tehran clearly cannot afford to ignore.