Top Iraq cleric fears worse bloodshed is ahead for U.S.-Iran conflict

Video Credit: Reuters Studio
Published on January 10, 2020 - Duration: 01:19s

Top Iraq cleric fears worse bloodshed is ahead for U.S.-Iran conflict

Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric on Friday condemned mutual U.S. and Iranian attacks on Iraqi soil and warned of deteriorating security in the country and wider region as a result of Washington's standoff with Tehran.

Ciara Lee reports


Top Iraq cleric fears worse bloodshed is ahead for U.S.-Iran conflict

Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric is condemning the U.S. and Iranian attacks on Iraqi soil and warns the worst may be yet to come for his country, caught in the crossfire, and the wider region.

Ali Al-Sistani gave his message through a representative who delivered a weekly sermon at Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) REPRESENTATIVE OF IRAQ'S TOP SHI'ITE, GRAND AYATOLLAH ALI AL-SISTANI, SAYYID AHMAD AL-SAFI AL-NAJAFI, SAYING: "What happened in recent days in terms of dangerous aggressions and repeated violations against Iraqi sovereignty, clearly shows the weakness of the responsible authorities.

Iraq should be independent and led by its own people, there should be no role for foreigners in its decisions, the rule of law within it must be according to the will of the nation." The U.S. killed Iran's top military commander, Qassem Soleimani, in an air strike next to Baghdad airport on January 3rd.

Iran responded this week by firing missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq.

In the aftermath of the flare up between the two foes, both backed away from further attacks.

But neighbouring Iraq looks set to bear the brunt of any future violence as the main arena for military confrontation.

Sistani, who wields huge influence over public opinion in Iraq, only weighs in on politics during times of crisis and is seen as a voice of moderation.

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