Quds Force Chief Says US Was Expelled from Iraq as Iran Tensions Rise
IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani speaks in Tehran amid US Iran tensions
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force commander Brigadier General Esmail Qaani said the United States had been expelled from Iraq and suffered what he described as a defeat against Iran.
Qaani made the remarks Thursday night at the “Nasr Qarib” ceremony in Tehran. The event marked the second anniversary of the deaths of leaders of the Lebanese Resistance, according to Iran’s Press TV.
He said the US had expected Iran to surrender within days or, at most, two weeks. According to Qaani, events instead produced an outcome different from Washington’s calculations.
Qaani also said remaining US influence in the region should be removed. He claimed signs of that process were already visible.
US Strengthens Gulf Defences
Qaani’s comments came as Washington increased military protection around key Gulf energy facilities.
Saudi Arabia Denies Suicide Bomber Reports at Grand Mosque in Makkah
The US recently deployed two additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, according to Axios. One battery reportedly went to protect a major Saudi oil facility. The other was deployed to protect a natural gas facility in Qatar.
The deployments aim to reassure the two Gulf states that Washington can protect critical energy infrastructure if major US military operations against Iran resume.
The United States is also increasing its military presence in the region. The moves come amid renewed diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran and warnings of possible further military action.
Yemen Fighting Adds to Regional Tensions
The wider escalation has also involved Yemen.
Houthi authorities accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes on Sanaa and parts of Saada, Taiz and Amran provinces. Those claims could not be independently verified.
Yemeni military officials separately reported strikes against Houthi positions in Taiz. They said the attacks targeted missile facilities, command centres, weapons sites and military vehicles.
Saudi Arabia’s coalition, meanwhile, said its air defences intercepted ballistic missiles and drones launched toward southern Saudi Arabia.
The coalition has also blamed the Houthis for a recent drone attack on a power distribution facility in Madinah. Houthi officials have denied responsibility.
US-Iran Nuclear Dispute Continues
The confrontation also remains tied to Iran’s nuclear programme.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz accused Tehran of violating its nuclear obligations. He cited Iran’s reported enrichment of uranium to 60 percent and said Washington does not consider that level to have a credible civilian purpose.
Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme serves peaceful purposes and has rejected US demands for an end to uranium enrichment.
The nuclear dispute remains part of wider negotiations between Washington and Tehran, which have also involved sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz and regional security.
Iran Seeks Normal Air Links With Iraq
Iran has also called on Iraq to remove restrictions affecting flights between the two countries.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said restoring normal air services would help passengers, including pilgrims, patients, students and business travellers.
Tehran also accused the United States of using sanctions to disrupt Iran’s regional trade and transportation links.
Tanker Hit in Strait of Hormuz
Regional tensions have also affected commercial shipping.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The incident caused a fire, while the crew was reported safe.
UKMTO did not identify the vessel or say who was responsible for the incident. The extent of the damage and any environmental impact remained unclear.
The incident adds to concerns surrounding one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes as US-Iran tensions remain high.
