Influential Iraqi cleric and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr has called for Iraq to remain neutral in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. In a statement published on his official X account, al-Sadr warned that continued escalation could expand beyond Iran and threaten the broader region.

“The Zionist entity will not stop at Iran if the language of escalation continues,” al-Sadr wrote, accusing Israel of acting with direct American support and spreading terrorism in the region.

He urged the Iraqi government to prevent further violations of Iraqi sovereignty, specifically condemning the reported use of Iraqi airspace by Israeli aircraft during the strikes on Iran. “We strongly condemn the use of Iraqi airspace by the usurping entity,” he stated, calling on authorities to take appropriate diplomatic action to prevent a repeat of the violation.

Al-Sadr also appealed to the Iraqi people to remain calm and not fall for what he described as “irresponsible statements” meant to incite fear or manipulate public opinion during election periods.

Above all, the cleric emphasized Iraq’s need to avoid becoming entangled in another regional war. “Iraq and its holy sites must remain far from this war,” he said, adding that the country and its people cannot afford to be drawn into further conflict.

Al-Sadr concluded his message with a call for unity, wisdom, and prayer for Iraq and the region.