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

Ascendance to the Quds Force

Qaani’s ascent to the role of Quds Force commander in January 2020 came at a critical time for Iran. The assassination of Qasem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike created a power vacuum and heightened tensions between Iran and its adversaries. As Soleimani’s deputy, Qaani was already steeped in the Quds Force’s operations and strategic initiatives. His immediate challenge was to maintain continuity while implementing his vision for expanding Iran’s influence abroad.

Upon taking command, Qaani emphasized the need for agility and adaptability in the face of international sanctions and military pressure. He sought to enhance Iran’s asymmetrical warfare capabilities, focusing on proxy warfare as a means to project power without direct confrontation.

October 23, 2024 | 10:00 pm