US ambassador to Iraq rejects Israeli broadcast showing Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani in cross hairs

BAGHDAD – U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski condemned any suggestion of targeting Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, emphasizing his role in promoting peace. Her statement follows backlash from Iraqi officials and party leaders after an Israeli media broadcast featured an image of the revered cleric.

“Grand Ayatollah Sistani is a renowned and respected religious leader in the international community. He is a critical and influential voice in promoting a more peaceful region. We reject any suggestion of targeting Grand Ayatollah Sistani,” Romanowski posted on X, formerly Twitter. The U.S. continues to support efforts to promote peace, she added.

The controversy erupted after Israel’s Channel 14 broadcast images of Iranian, Palestinian, Lebanese, and Houthi leaders, including Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. Many Shia Muslims interpreted the broadcast as implying that these figures were potential targets of Israel.

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed strong disapproval during his meeting with U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton and Ambassador Romanowski. Al-Sudani emphasized that Israel’s media had “disrespected revered figures, including the recent offensive act against Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Sistani.”

In a separate meeting with Chinese Ambassador Cui Wei, Al-Sudani reiterated his condemnation of what he called “offensive actions” by Israeli media, which he said were rooted in “misguided religious and racist ideologies.”

Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the Hikma Movement, also condemned the portrayal of Al-Sistani in the broadcast, warning of “serious consequences for peace and security in the region” and urging the international community to denounce such threats.

Channel 14 is a right-leaning Israeli news outlet known for its conservative stance on political and security matters. Although privately owned, it has gained popularity among right-wing audiences in Israel.