Esmail Qaani

In August 2026, Iraqi media reported that during a visit to Baghdad, Qaani had urged Iran-aligned factions not to surrender their weapons immediately, while asking them to avoid confrontation with state forces and seek a political settlement. The visit came as Iraq's government sought to place armed groups' weapons under state authority.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Directly implicated

The United Kingdom sanctioned Qaani in December 2023 under its new regime targeting Iran's hostile activities, in connection with Iranian support for armed groups. In May 2024, the European Union also listed him under measures concerning Iranian military support, specifying that under his command the Quds Force facilitated support for the Houthis, including transfers of drones and missiles.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

After three US soldiers were killed in the Tower 22 attack in Jordan, Reuters reported, citing several Iranian and Iraqi sources, that Qaani had travelled to Baghdad and asked Iran-aligned factions to suspend attacks on American forces to avoid major escalation. Most groups reportedly reduced or suspended their attacks afterwards.

Attribution

Directly implicated

In September 2024, Reuters reported that Qaani had met Iraqi officials and urged them to ease political confrontations surrounding Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, while espionage allegations involving members of his office fuelled tensions. The intervention illustrates the political arbitration role exercised by the Quds Force commander among Iraqi actors close to Tehran.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Directly implicated

Canada added Esmail Qaani to its sanctions list as part of measures targeting senior Iranian and IRGC officials, under regulations relating to serious breaches of international peace and security and violations attributed to the Iranian regime.

State of the evidence

Documented

The US Treasury designated Esmail Qaani, then deputy commander of the Quds Force, stating that he had authority over Quds Force financial disbursements and financial responsibility for an intercepted weapons shipment destined for Gambia.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

After the July 1999 student demonstrations, Esmail Qaani was among 24 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders who signed a letter to President Mohammad Khatami. The authors criticised the government's handling of the unrest, stated that their "patience" had run out and urged Khatami to make a "revolutionary decision", a text widely interpreted as public pressure by senior military officers on an elected president.

State of the evidence

Documented