Six months after the US attacked Qasem Soleimani’s chief general in Iran, an Iranian news website published an article in June 2020 praising his successor – in an effort according to seems to reduce the damage seen by the killer.
The article, titled “The Amazing Success of Esmail Ghaani,” went on to explain how the more covert approach taken by the new leader of the Quds Force Revolutionary Guard Corps improved his operational capabilities.
There is little doubt that Soleimani ‘s death further challenged the Islamic Republic to its regional strategy and raised questions about its continued ability to advance its influence in the region.
Iran has faced many problems in the past year, including the impact of the pandemic coronavirus disease, the growing economic crisis, increased tensions with the US and the alleged Israeli war in Syria.
These difficulties, together with the diplomatic agreements created between the Gulf countries and Israel, overshadowed the seriousness of Soleimani ‘s assassination for Iran.
Nevertheless, Tehran showed no inclination to extend its efforts to expand its hegemony over the region.
The scene of the US assassination on Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad in January 2020
(Photo: Archive)
Iran’s policies in Syria, carried out by its agents, appear to be on track despite some declining troops following the ceasefire of the Syrian civil war.
Iran’s efforts continue in nearby Iraq despite efforts by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi to recapture Shiite militias loyal to Tehran.
Since taking over Soleimani, Ghaani has made at least six visits to Iraq and three to Syria, while Iranian friends who are still receiving arms and funding continue to maintain close ties with Tehran.
Esmail Ghaani replaced Qasem Soleimani as commander of the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guard Corps
(Photo: AP)
The new leader of the Quds Force appears to have been struggling to maintain the net of Soleimani-woven ties to link the various groups and militias under Iran’s influence and has not yet been called upon to launch a major military campaign. way.
Some Soleimani centralized authorities have been returned to the local militia in Lebanon and Iraq which makes claims from Iran.
The assassination of the honorable commander in Iraq a year ago was a blow to Iran, but it has also given his regime opportunities as the reality changes in the area, where Israel is known as “Little Satan”. busy building links with the Gulf apparently courtesy of Saudi Arabia ‘s regional arch.
Led by Ghaani, the Quds Force has returned to a smaller unit carrying out covert activity and listing proxies to advance Iran’s strategic missions.
U.S. troops on patrol in Iraq
(Photo: AP)
This primary means trying to evacuate U.S. forces from the area and continue to build up the military capabilities of the Lebanese-based Hezbollah group.
After all, Tehran has consistently demonstrated its willingness to use any means to advance its policies regardless of the difficulties it faces.
Dr. Raz Zimmt is an expert on Iranian issues at the Israeli Institute for Strategic Studies