Sadr calls for boycott of foreign products supporting Israel and US

BAGHDAD – Muqtada Al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist Movement, called on Monday for a boycott of brands that support the United States and Israel. While Al-Sadr emphasized the importance of refraining from buying, selling, or using these products, he urged against the use of violence.

Al-Sadr’s call was issued in response to a query by “a group of mujahiddin” about his opinion on boycotting US and other foreign products that support Israel in solidarity with the “people of Gaza.”

The Shia cleric noted that some parties have used violence for personal and political gain and stressed the significance of peaceful boycotts as a means of protest. He described the US as Israel’s “master” and “the greatest evil occupier” and called for boycotting products and brands supporting “Israel, America, colonialism, and the oppressive Global Arrogance.”

The term Global Arrogance is typically used by the Iranian government to describe dominant Western nations, particularly the US.
Since the events of October 7 and the subsequent Gaza conflict, there have been campaigns to boycott US products.

Al-Sadr had previously called for the closure of US embassy in Baghdad and the expulsion of Ambassador Alina Romanowski from Iraq.

Last November and May, several popular fast-food restaurants in Baghdad, including KFC and Pizza Hut, were attacked by assailants believed to be close to pro-Iran armed factions. These attacks appeared to protest the alleged support of Israeli actions by the parent companies of these brands, although KFC has not publicly expressed support for Israel.

Security forces arrested several suspects involved in the vandalism against US-brand restaurants in various areas of Baghdad. These groups are demanding the closure or boycott of U.S. restaurants and businesses from countries supporting Israel.