Iraqi PM declares three days of mourning after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah killed in Israeli airstrike

BAGHDAD — Iraq declared three days of national mourning on Saturday following the death of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani condemned the attack, calling it a “reckless act” aimed at expanding the conflict at the expense of regional security and stability.

He emphasized Iraq’s support for Lebanon and Palestine, stating, “The people’s will ultimately prevail on their own land,” and called on the international community to intervene and stop the ongoing violence against Palestinians and Lebanese civilians.

In his statement, Al-Sudani described the airstrike as a “crime” and accused Israel’s “shameful attack” of crossing all red lines. He reaffirmed Iraq’s “principled stance in standing with the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples” and expressed concern over what he called “ethnic genocide” being committed by Israel, particularly in light of recent escalations in Gaza and Lebanon.

The Iraqi government, led by the Shia Coordination Framework—dominated by Iran-backed forces—has been a staunch supporter of Hezbollah and Hamas in their fight against Israel. Some of these militias, including Kataib Hezbollah, have formed the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, launching drone and missile attacks on Israeli targets.

Muqtada Al-Sadr, an influential Iraqi Shiite leader, also mourned Nasrallah’s death, calling him a “comrade on the path of resistance and defiance.” In a brief statement, Al-Sadr added, “You have done your duty, Nasrallah… You lived with pride and died a martyr with pride, you and those with you.”

Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani extended condolences to Lebanon following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, praising his “leadership in resisting Israeli occupation” and his “support for Iraq and Palestine.” Al-Sistani’s office called for assistance in addressing the “humanitarian needs” in Lebanon.

Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death on Saturday, hours after Israel announced that it had “eliminated” the group’s leader in an airstrike. “Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, has joined his great, immortal martyr comrades whom he led for about 30 years,” Hezbollah said in a statement, adding that he and several other members were killed in the “treacherous Zionist strike” on Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Nasrallah had led Hezbollah since 1992 and was regarded as one of Israel’s most formidable enemies. Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said that Nasrallah’s death represented a significant victory for Israel, but he warned that Hezbollah’s remaining leadership would continue to be targeted. “We have not exhausted all the means at our disposal. The message is simple: anyone who threatens the citizens of Israel, we will know how to reach them,” Halevi stated.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari also commented on Nasrallah’s death, stating, “Nasrallah was one of the greatest enemies of the state of Israel of all time… His elimination makes the world a safer place.”

In recent days, Israel has expanded its military focus from Gaza to Lebanon, resulting in heavy bombings that have killed more than 700 people and displaced around 118,000. The airstrike that killed Nasrallah is expected to weaken Hezbollah significantly and destabilize Lebanon, while marking a major victory for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Iran and its regional allies.

This article has been updated