Iraj Masjedi Begins Work as Iran's New Ambassador to Iraq

Iraj Masjedi, Iran's new ambassador to Iraq, submitted his credentials to Ibrahim al-Jaafari, the country's foreign minister, on Wednesday, April 30. Mr. Masjedi, an advisor to Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, takes over this position from Hassan Danaeifar, the former ambassador who returned to Iran before Nowruz. According to the IRNA news agency, Ibrahim al-Jaafari expressed gratitude for Iran's support in the 'fight against Saddam's regime' and the 'war against the terrorist group ISIS' during this meeting. The new Iranian ambassador to Iraq also expressed hope that relations between the two countries, especially in economic areas, would develop. The report adds that Iraj Masjedi discussed 'bilateral relations, the war against terrorism, and the latest regional developments' with the Iraqi foreign minister. Iraj Masjedi has over 35 years of experience in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and was a commander during the Iran-Iraq war. He headed the IRGC's overseas command (Ramadan Headquarters) during the eight-year Iran-Iraq war. The advisor to the Quds Force commander begins his work as Iran's ambassador to Iraq at a time when this force represents the Islamic Republic of Iran as a supporter of the central Iraqi government in its fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). Qassem Soleimani has traveled to Iraq several times in recent months, but his presence has faced reactions from several Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia. Sunni countries in the region oppose Iran's presence in Iraq and have a cold relationship with the Baghdad government. In December 2016, Saudi Arabia reopened its embassy in Iraq for the first time since 1990. That same year, Ibrahim al-Jaafari asked Saudi Arabia to replace its ambassador, Thamer al-Sabhan, due to his positions. Previously, the Saudi ambassador stated that the Shia Hashd al-Shaabi forces should not engage in combat with ISIS forces, as these forces are a factor of instability and sectarian conflict. The Quds Force, led by Qassem Soleimani, has a close relationship with the Hashd al-Shaabi forces and provides advisory assistance to them. In this context, the advance of Iraqi forces in western Mosul continues, while ISIS has used chemical munitions to stop the operations of Iraqi forces. The Iraqi Vice President stated that the Islamic State is seeking an alliance with al-Qaeda. The U.S. Secretary of Defense's trip to the Middle East aims to explore ways to counter Islamic extremism.