ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), made an unannounced visit to Baghdad on Wednesday, meeting with top Iraqi political leaders and commanders of armed groups, sources told The New Region.

Qaani held talks with leaders of the ruling Coordination Framework, where they discussed the upcoming Iraqi elections, the importance of staying united, and avoiding political divisions, “especially after the alliance decided to run with multiple election lists,” a well-informed source, who requested anonymity, told The New Region.

The source said Qaani urged the leaders to ease tensions with Prime Minister Mohamed Shia’ al-Sudani and his government.

Qaani reportedly also held a short meeting with leaders of armed groups in Iraq. During the meeting, he told them to be prepared for any sudden developments but to avoid escalating tensions with US forces in the country. This comes as indirect talks between Iran and the United States over the nuclear issue continue.

Military developments in Yemen and Syria were also reported to be a part of the discussion.

Another source said Qaani wore civilian clothing during his visit to signal Iran’s presence in Iraq, especially with the Arab Summit set to take place in Baghdad on Saturday.

Dozens of high-profile guests from across the Arab world are set to attend the summit in the Iraqi capital, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS), Jordan’s King Abdullah II, UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, among others.

Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassim al-Araji received Qaani in Baghdad on Wednesday. Iraq-Iran relations, border security, regional stability, and “the importance of successful negotiations between Tehran and Washington” were highlighted during the meeting.