During a meeting with US officials, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed outrage over an Israeli TV station’s depiction of Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani in a kill list. Sudani condemned disrespect towards religious figures as an affront to Muslims worldwide. He also spoke out against the targeting of civilians and destruction of infrastructure in Lebanon and Gaza, calling for international intervention to stop the war.
US Ambassador Alina Romanowski defended Ayatollah Sistani as a revered religious leader and rejected any insinuation of targeting him. The controversial image aired by Israeli Channel 14, although not representing official Israeli policy, was seen as a severe insult by Iraq due to the Ayatollah’s religious influence.
Various Iraqi officials, including Sheikh Khaled al-Mulla and government spokesman Basem al-Awadi, denounced the threat against Ayatollah al-Sistani and called for global condemnation and action to prevent further incitement. Awadi warned of a strong response from resistance factions in case of an attack on the religious leader, emphasizing the importance of preserving peace and security.
Despite Iraq’s efforts to end violence, Israel’s actions and the lack of international response continue to escalate tensions, posing a threat to global peace.