Iran’s Quds Force commander told Iraqi political leaders last week to ease criticism of the prime minister who has been embroiled in a row over spying allegations, sources said, seeking to steady a regional ally as conflict in the Middle East flares. Seven Iraqi sources, including people in political parties whose leaders the Iranian commander met, said Esmail Qaani requested a visit to Baghdad. A regional diplomat confirmed the account. All the sources asked not to be named because the meetings were held in private. The move to avert any weakening of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ref…