ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iranian military commander Esmail Qaani made a swift, unannounced visit to Baghdad earlier this week, meeting with Iraqi officials and armed faction leaders to discuss regional developments and potential escalations involving the United States and Israel, political sources said Wednesday.

Qaani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Quds Forces, met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani during the trip, sources told The New Region. The discussions centered on Iran’s concerns over a possible US-Israeli escalation against Tehran and Iraq’s efforts to avoid being drawn into regional conflicts.

Qaani reportedly assured Sudani of Tehran’s support for Iraq’s neutrality and stated that Iran would not oppose any Iraqi decisions regarding the future of armed factions operating in the country.

There have been reports in recent weeks of international calls on the Iraqi government to disarm and dissolve armed groups not operating under the umbrella of Iraqi state forces, including the government-linked Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

Sudani arrived in Iran’s capital Tehran on Wednesday for a one-day visit. The topic of disarming Iraqi armed groups, many of which are Iran-backed, is reportedly on the table during the premier’s visit.

Qaani also addressed leaders of Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq, according to the sources, urging them to align with the Iraqi government’s directives and avoid any armed activities. He also called on them to remain prepared for potential emergencies or military developments, particularly considering Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House.