Baghdad's Friday Imam: You Cannot Accuse the Resistance Without Evidence
Imam Ayatollah Yasin Mousavi urges defense of Iraq's sovereignty, criticizes neutrality shift toward the US, and cautions against baseless accusations
A leading Iraqi religious figure, Ayatollah Yasin Mousavi, criticized the government's tilt toward the United States, urged defense of Iraq's sovereignty, warned against baselessly accusing resistance groups, and highlighted the economic and social costs of border closures and external influence. He called for responsible governance aligned with national interests and the rights of citizens.
Baghdad's Friday Imam, Ayatollah Seyyed Yasin Mousavi, criticized the Iraqi government's approach to regional developments and urged that the state defend its sovereignty and national interests over foreign alignments. In a political Friday sermon on September 18, 2026, reported by IRNA, Mousavi—an esteemed figure in the Najaf Hawza—said that telling the truth and standing against oppression are both religious and national duties.
He described a regional competition between two camps: the United States and its allies on one side, and the so-called Resistance axis that supports oppressed peoples in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain, and other places on the other. Mousavi argued that various Iraqi governments, notably the current one, have strayed from neutrality, leaning toward the United States, and that some official statements conflict with defending the people’s interests and Iraq’s sovereignty.
Mousavi expressed skepticism about America’s ability to bring stability to the region, contending that real stability comes from peace and respect for the rights of peoples, not from military bases or domination. He criticized Gulf Arab states for relying on American bases, noting that such bases have failed to deliver the security expected and have helped sustain regional tensions.
Turning to the Yemen conflict and Washington’s support for Saudi policies, he warned of the consequences of U.S. presence and interventions in the region. He cautioned against accusing Iraq’s resistance groups without presenting evidence and documentation.
Responding to reports about missiles fired from Iraqi soil toward Saudi Arabia, he called for thorough investigation before issuing statements or rushing to decisions. He also criticized Iraq’s border closures with Iran, saying the measures have created significant difficulties for Iraqi pilgrims, especially women, children and the elderly.
Economically, Mousavi stressed the importance of protecting Iraq’s interests in oil, gas, and electricity, noting that Iranian gas helps meet Iraq’s energy needs and that halting economic cooperation could harm low-income communities. He argued that border closures contribute to higher prices and harm merchants and citizens.
In closing, he urged the Iraqi government and the Coordination Framework to fulfill their responsibilities toward the people’s rights and to refrain from unjust decisions and attempts to exert military control. He warned that building a just government requires prudent management, respect for citizens’ rights, and prioritizing national interests over foreign dependence.