Ismail Qaani
Ismail Qaani is the commander of the IRGC Quds Force, responsible for Iran's extraterritorial military and intelligence operations. Since succeeding Qasem Soleimani in 2020, he has managed the 'Axis of Resistance' and is currently a central figure in the regime's transition following the death of Ali Khamenei.
Ismail Qaani serves as the commander of the Quds Force within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a position he assumed following the 2020 assassination of Qasem Soleimani. As the primary architect of Iran's regional influence, Qaani oversees the coordination of various armed groups across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and various terror factions in Iraq and Syria. Unlike his predecessor, Qaani is often characterized by a more bureaucratic and low-profile operational style, yet he remains the critical link between Tehran and its regional proxies.
In July 2026, Qaani emerged as a pivotal figure during the transition of power following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He was documented participating in high-level funeral proceedings in both Tehran and Iraq, signaling institutional continuity alongside other senior IRGC leaders like Ahmad Vahidi. During this period, Qaani joined the top security echelon in pledging allegiance to the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, while issuing aggressive threats of revenge against Israel and the United States.
Qaani's recent activities have focused heavily on Iraq, where he has met with the leadership of the Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) and other militia unions to maintain Iranian influence during the mourning period for Khamenei. However, his presence has met with significant diplomatic friction. In July 2026, the Iraqi government reportedly declared Qaani persona non grata, ordering his expulsion from the country. This move, which included a ban on senior Iranian officials meeting with Iraqi militias, reflects a growing effort by Baghdad to assert national sovereignty and distance itself from IRGC influence ahead of strategic diplomatic engagements with Washington. Despite these challenges, Qaani continues to project the 'Resistance Front' doctrine, balancing kinetic pressure on regional adversaries with the strategic preservation of the Iranian regime's core assets.