'Reject US-Zionist hegemony' - Iraqis rally against U.S.-Israeli operation in Iran
Thousands of people marched in Baghdad on Saturday to condemn U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, after Shiite National Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr called for nationwide protests.
Footage from the capital showed large crowds waving flags and chanting slogans against the United States and Israel as rallies spread across Baghdad and several other provinces, Viory reports.
Sadrist Movement official Sabah al-Saadi said the demonstrations reflected Iraqis’ desire for peace, freedom and dignity, while rejecting aggression, colonialism and foreign domination in the region. Another protester, Sheikh Muhammad al-Atwani, denounced attacks on what he described as safe areas, including schools sheltering families and children, and reaffirmed opposition to occupation.
The protests followed a statement issued by al-Sadr earlier in the week urging Iraqis to take to the streets to condemn what he called “Zionist-American aggression” and to call for peace. Demonstrators said Iraq and the wider region wanted stability, but rejected what they described as U.S.-Israeli hegemony against Arab and Muslim peoples.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters later praised Iraq’s position, thanking in particular the Popular Mobilisation forces, resistance factions and the Shiite community for their support. It also said Iraq would be exempt from any Iranian transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional tensions have soared since the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28, amid diplomatic efforts over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
