Esmail Qaani: Powerful Quds Force Commander Shaping Iran’s Military Strategy in 2024

Esmail Qaani, born on August 8, 1957, is an Iranian brigadier general and the current commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force. Appointed in January 2020 after the death of his predecessor Qasem Soleimani, Qaani has continued to oversee Iran’s extraterritorial operations, particularly in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Afghanistan. As a key military figure, Qaani has played a crucial role in shaping Iran’s military and geopolitical influence across the Middle East.

Before becoming the Quds Force leader, Qaani was heavily involved in military operations during the Iran-Iraq War, where he gained experience leading several brigades. He later focused on Iran’s eastern borders, tackling issues like drug trafficking and supporting Afghanistan’s Northern Alliance in their fight against the Taliban.

As Quds Force commander, Qaani oversees financial and military support to regional allies such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, and groups in Syria and Iraq. He has been sanctioned by the U.S. and other international entities for his involvement in Iran’s military operations abroad, especially for his role in supporting Iranian-backed militias.

Despite facing international scrutiny, Qaani remains a central figure in Iran’s military operations, often making headlines for his involvement in key events in the region. His leadership continues to shape Iran’s defense strategy and its extraterritorial missions through the IRGC’s Quds Force.

October 23, 2024 | 10:00 pm