Al-Sadr Slams Iran-Aligned Militias, Says They Are Dragging Iraq Into War

Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has issued a strong rebuke against Iran-aligned militias operating within Iraq, accusing them of pushing the country toward a conflict it does not need. In a written statement, Sadr described Iraq as a "sacred land" and the "center of Shiism."

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I condemn the targeting of sacred Iraqi lands, regardless of which country or side is responsible. At the same time, I condemn the actions of arrogant militias dragging Iraq into an inconclusive war.

Sadr emphasized that Iraqi territory should not be used for attacks against Iran, and consequently, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps should refrain from targeting Iraq. He also addressed the actions of these militias against neighboring countries, warning them not to provide any pretext for others to target their "sacred lands."

"I condemn the targeting of sacred Iraqi lands, regardless of which country or side is responsible," Sadr stated. "At the same time, I condemn the actions of arrogant militias dragging Iraq into an inconclusive war. I call on the Iraqi government to work seriously to ensure security, establish sovereignty, and protect the safety of the Iraqi people and their sanctities, and to avoid falling into abhorrent sectarian superstitions."

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I call on the Iraqi government to work seriously to ensure security, establish sovereignty, and protect the safety of the Iraqi people and their sanctities, and to avoid falling into abhorrent sectarian superstitions.

He stressed that the Iraqi people are "in need of peace" and that the country must move beyond wars that consume its resources and dignity. Sadr also cautioned against dormant terrorist cells, warning they would exploit sectarianism as a pretext to undermine Iraq's security. The prominent Shia leader extended a call for peace and well-being to neighboring countries.

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They will use sectarianism as a pretext to undermine the security of sacred Iraq.