Brigadier General Esmaeil Qaani, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, has firmly stated that the formation of Iraq’s government and the selection of its prime minister are internal matters that belong exclusively to the Iraqi people, with no room for foreign interference.

In a message released on Monday, Qaani revealed that he had recently visited Baghdad to personally convey the gratitude of the Iranian people and leadership.

“I traveled to Baghdad to express the appreciation and gratitude of the people and the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the solidarity and cooperation shown by the insightful people, the great religious authorities, and the officials of Iraq,” he said.

Qaani praised the Iraqi nation’s spirit of resistance and loyalty, underlining that Iraq alone has the sovereign right to determine its political future.

“Forming a government is the right of the Iraqi people. Iraq is too great to allow others — especially criminals against humanity — to interfere in its affairs,” the Quds Force commander declared.

He further emphasized that the choice of the next Iraqi prime minister must be made solely by Iraqis themselves.

“The selection of the prime minister is made purely based on the decision of Iraqis,” Qaani said.

The statement comes amid ongoing political discussions in Iraq regarding the formation of a new government following recent parliamentary developments. Qaani’s remarks signal Iran’s strong opposition to any external involvement in the country’s internal political process. (ILKHA)