Speculations Surrounding Qassem Soleimani's Presence at the Velayat Faction Meeting

Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported on Friday during a brainstorming session of the Velayat faction in the 10th Parliament about the differences among the leaders of the Islamic Republic regarding Iran's policy in Syria since the onset of the conflict there. He stated that although there were initial disagreements regarding decision-making in Iran concerning Syria, ultimately decisions were made, in which Ali Larijani played a significant role, according to Soleimani. Ali Larijani, the Speaker of the 9th Parliament, also referred to Qassem Soleimani as a 'brave and dedicated commander' who plays an unparalleled role in the Quds Force to achieve a dignified Iran. Mehdi Mahdavi-Azad, a journalist and analyst based in Germany, commented on Soleimani's presence at the meeting, stating that he is very close to the Supreme Leader and is one of the most important and enigmatic political-military figures in the Islamic Republic's regional policies. In his speech on Friday, Soleimani described U.S. policies in the region as a failure, asserting that while 'Iran does not invade Iraq like the U.S., due to an internal logic exemplified by the formation of Hashd al-Shaabi, these forces managed to liberate Tikrit in just three days with only five percent damage.' Soleimani also discussed the Islamic Republic's policy in Syria, stating that Iran has been able to assist the Syrian resistance over the years and prevent a dangerous incident, while 40 countries, 25 of which are powerful and wealthy, could not achieve anything by forming a coalition against ISIS. Haman Sidi, a Middle East analyst based in London, remarked to Radio Farda that Iran has actually played a significant role in the emergence of ISIS in Syria and the escalation of the civil war in that country. Regarding Saudi Arabia's attack on Yemen, Soleimani called it 'pure madness' and stated, 'The result of this war is nothing but chaos in the strategic region of Yemen, which is the junction of great seas.'