Baghdad Friday Prayers Leader Challenges Iraq’s Regional Policy
Ayatollah Yasin al-Mousavi calls for evidence before accusing Iraqi resistance groups and urges the government to prioritize national interests.
Baghdad Friday prayer leader Ayatollah Yasin al-Mousavi criticized Iraq’s perceived shift toward the United States, opposed accusations against resistance groups without evidence, and called for an investigation into reports of a missile launch toward Saudi Arabia. He also condemned the closure of Iraq’s border with Iran and urged the government to prioritize sovereignty, energy security and citizens’ welfare.
## Verified facts According to an IRNA report published on September 19, 2026, Ayatollah Sayyid Yasin al-Mousavi, the Friday prayer leader of Baghdad, criticized the Iraqi government’s approach to regional developments during his September 18 sermon. He said Iraq should defend its sovereignty and national interests rather than favor external powers.
Al-Mousavi described a regional divide between the United States and its allies and what he called the “resistance axis.” He argued that Iraq’s government had moved away from neutrality and toward the U.S.-aligned camp. He also criticized U.S. military bases and regional interventions, including Washington’s role in Yemen and its support for Saudi Arabia’s policies.
He specifically rejected accusations against Iraqi resistance groups without evidence. Responding to government statements about a missile allegedly launched from Iraqi territory toward Saudi Arabia, he called for a thorough investigation before official statements or decisions were issued.
Al-Mousavi also criticized the closure of Iraq’s borders with Iran, citing difficulties for Iraqi pilgrims—particularly women, children and older people—as well as higher prices and harm to traders and low-income citizens. He emphasized the importance of Iranian gas and economic cooperation to Iraq’s energy supply, and urged the Iraqi government and the Coordination Framework to protect citizens’ rights and avoid unjust decisions and excessive military control.
## Interpretation The sermon represents a public criticism of the Iraqi government’s regional alignment, its handling of allegations involving armed groups, and its border and energy policies. Its central argument is that Iraq should make decisions based on sovereignty, civilian welfare and independently established evidence rather than external alliances or rapid official responses.
The remarks also frame border restrictions and accusations against resistance groups as interconnected issues of national governance: both, in al-Mousavi’s view, require greater scrutiny of their effects on Iraqi citizens and of the evidence supporting government action.
## Significance The comments could add pressure on Iraqi authorities over alleged missile activity, relations with Saudi Arabia and the United States, and the closure of the Iranian border. They also underscore the political sensitivity of Iraq’s dependence on regional energy links and the competing expectations placed on Baghdad by domestic factions and foreign partners.