Baghdad Rejects Iranian ‘Protection’ for Suspects Placed on Corruption Lists

Baghdad has firmly rejected Iranian demands to shield individuals facing judicial arrest warrants related to corruption investigations. The Iraqi government has instead insisted that Tehran utilize official diplomatic channels for any arrangements concerning Iranian officials, two informed sources reported Sunday.

This stance follows what sources described as a "secret" visit by Esmail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force, shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on June 28. Qaani's trip, believed to be his first to Iraq since al-Zaidi took office on May 14, occurred without public announcement, highlighting a pattern of undeclared visits by senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials.

“

bypassing official channels through secret meetings

Iranian officials had reportedly sought modifications to Iraq's plan to consolidate all weapons under state control by a September 30 deadline. They also requested that Baghdad narrow the scope of arrest warrants targeting political and government figures with close ties to the IRGC. Iraqi authorities rejected these proposed changes, informing Tehran of their decision and emphasizing adherence to formal diplomatic procedures while rejecting "bypassing official channels through secret meetings."

The Iraqi government's assertion of control over its internal affairs, particularly regarding corruption and arms control, signals a potential shift in regional power dynamics. The United States has encouraged Iraq to reduce its ties with Iran, and some observers view al-Zaidi's government as an opportunity to rebalance regional influence. Prime Minister al-Zaidi has pledged to place all weapons under state control, stating, "There will be no weapons except those of the state."

“

There will be no weapons except those of the state.