Influential Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has blamed the “reckless actions” of armed groups and the failure of the Iraqi state to bring weapons under its control for the deaths of Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) fighters and Iraqi security personnel following joint US-Saudi air strikes.
In a statement posted on X, al-Sadr accused militia leaders of prioritizing their own interests while their fighters faced the consequences of escalating tensions. He called for an end to what he described as “individualistic and irrational” actions by armed factions.
“The militias’ reckless actions and the failure to restrict weapons to the state have been, and continue to be, the cause of the unjust martyrdom of our fighters,” al-Sadr said.
He added that faction leaders continued to enjoy “security, comfort, and commerce” while fighters were being killed.
Al-Sadr, who has a large following among Iraq’s Shia Muslim community and has often criticized Tehran’s influence in Iraqi affairs, expressed condolences to the families of those killed. He said there could be “no solace” for those whose actions contributed to their deaths and prayed for Iraq to be protected from further harm.
Meanwhile, Iran has condemned the US and Saudi strikes on Iraq, saying some of the targeted locations belonged to official Iraqi institutions and facilities serving pilgrims attending the Arbaeen religious commemoration.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday that the strikes violated Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and breached the United Nations Charter. Tehran described the attacks as part of a broader effort by Washington and Israel to expand conflict across the region.
“These strikes constitute a flagrant violation of Iraq’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry said, calling them “criminal, inhumane and provocative actions.”
The ministry offered condolences for those killed in the strikes and expressed Iran’s “full support and solidarity” with the Iraqi government and people.
Arbaeen is one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, drawing millions of Shia Muslims to the Iraqi city of Karbala to mark the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
The latest exchange of accusations has deepened tensions in Iraq, where the influence of armed factions and the role of foreign powers remain major sources of political debate.
