Ruptly
"Thousands took to the streets of Baghdad on Saturday to condemn the US-Israeli attacks on Iran in response to a call by Shiite National Movement leader, Muqtada Al Sadr. Footage shows massive crowds rallying with flags and chanting, 'no, no America, no, no Israel.' "The Iraqi people represent the aspirations of the region towards peace, freedom, dignity, pride and honour while dismissing aggression and attacks, and all forms of colonialism and hegemony in the region," said Sabah Al Saadi, a leader in the Sadrist Movement. "We denounce this egregious act that targets safe areas and schools that host our children, our families, and our people from all groups. We reiterate our anti-occupation stance," added Sheikh Muhammad Al-Atwani, a protester. Rallies took place in Baghdad and across several provinces on Saturday, after leader of the Shiite National Movement Muqtada al-Sadr called on Iraqis to mobilise earlier in the week. In a statement issued on Monday, al-Sadr urged the public to take to the streets 'to condemn the Zionist-American aggression' and advocate for peace in the region, according to Iraqi media. "This is a message to the proud Iraqi people, and all the honoured people and Muslims worldwide: We are a nation that cherishes peace and our religion calls for peace," a protester stressed. "However, when we are attacked, we vehemently denounce the aggression and reject US-Zionist hegemony and its aspirations against the vulnerable Arab and Muslim peoples," he continued. Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters praised Iraq’s stance, expressing particular appreciation for the "Popular Mobilisation and Resistance factions and the Shiite community" for their support. It also announced that Iraq would be exempt from any transit restrictions imposed by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions escalated in the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28, amid diplomatic talks aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear and missile programmes. Tehran responded with retaliatory strikes on Israeli and US assets in the region, with reports of explosions in several Gulf countries. Iran later confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei named as his successor."
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