Reuters: The UN Views Soleimani's Possible Presence in Iraq as a Violation of Sanctions

Reuters reports that according to a UN report, observers from the organization consider the "publication of photos of Qassem Soleimani in Iraq" as potentially evidence of the Quds Force commander's presence in Iraq, which would violate international sanctions. Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, the IRGC's overseas branch, has been on the UN Security Council's sanctions list since 2007, which includes asset freezes and international travel bans. In addition to the UN Security Council, the US Treasury Department has also sanctioned Soleimani for his alleged involvement in violence in Syria. Recently released images reportedly show Soleimani among Iraqi forces, and the commander of the IRGC's aerospace division has also discussed this topic in a special television interview. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, a senior IRGC official, stated in October that Soleimani was present during the battle against the Islamic State in Iraq. Reuters notes that the report from the "UN Experts Panel on Iran" was published in seven pages, and the agency saw a copy of it on December 8. This panel monitors the implementation of international sanctions related to Iran. The report states that "images and videos of Soleimani have been taken in some situations where he is claimed to be on Iraqi soil." One of the images reportedly shows him in the "Amirli" area in northern Iraq after it was retaken from the Islamic State forces. According to the agency, diplomats on the UN mission in Iraq have not yet reacted to this issue. The image of the Quds Force commander has recently appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazine. The publication reported that "Tehran sent Qassem Soleimani, its military mastermind, to Iraq. Soleimani is the commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC, who is confirmed by many military personnel to have high command and strategic management capabilities. This Iranian commander, who often participates in covert missions, appeared in front of cameras during his new mission and took a photo with Iraqis in the Amirli operational area last September. The photo carried a clear message for the West that Tehran is fully present on the scene." Tehran has supported Iraqi forces in their battles against the Islamic State and has officially provided military equipment and advice to the Kurdish Peshmerga and the Iraqi army. In this context, Soleimani stated, "We will not cease our support for the 'resistance' for a moment." A senior IRGC commander confirmed Soleimani's presence in Iraq. Soleimani also claimed that all efforts against Shiism would fail. Firouzabadi stated, "We are ready to send weapons to Iraq."