Esmail Qaani’s Restless Expression at Mohammad Reza Zahedi’s Funeral

Chapter 3: Qaani’s Role in Iran’s Military Strategy

Qaani’s military career spans many years and is characterized by significant involvement during the Iran-Iraq war and other conflicts in the region afterwards. As an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander, he played a vital role in shaping Iran’s military strategy, especially its support for proxy groups and allies across the Middle East. This was reflected in his involvement in Syria amid the civil war, which elicited both praise and criticism as it highlighted Iran’s foreign policy objectives. Amid escalating tensions with the US and her allies, Qaani’s style of leadership has been pragmatic and resilient enough to lead Iranian military engagements.