Confidante of Iranian Gen. Soleimani becomes ambassador to Baghdad

Iranian Gen. Iraj Masjedi, who served until recently as a top adviser of Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, became his country's ambassador to Iraq on Wednesday. The Quds force is responsible for the IRGC's military operations outside Iran. DEBKAfile: Masjedi's appointment emphasizes Iran's intentions and actions in neighboring Iraq. For the last three years, Soleimani has worked closely with senior officials from Iraq's defense establishment in an effort to defeat Islamic State in Iraq.