Hadi Al-Amiri condemns Israeli strikes on Iran, blames US for airspace violation

BAGHDAD — Badr Organization leader Hadi Al-Amiri on Friday condemned Israeli airstrikes on Iran, calling them evidence of the “bankruptcy” of Israel’s campaign against the so-called Axis of Resistance. He also accused the United States of allowing Iraqi airspace to be used in the operation and urged Baghdad to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“We are monitoring the treacherous Zionist attacks on the peoples of the region and the recent targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the utmost responsibility and awareness,” Amiri’s office said in a statement.

Describing the attack as a “barbaric crime,” Amiri claimed it reflected “the bankruptcy of the Zionist project in facing the choice of resistance and the perseverance of faithful and patient peoples.”

He went on to place “full responsibility” on the United States, accusing it of enabling Israel to violate Iraqi airspace in launching its strikes on Iran. “The Iraqi government must take all measures to prevent such regrettable incidents from recurring,” the statement said.

Amiri also offered condolences to the Iranian government and people over the loss of military leaders in the attack, while reiterating what he described as Iran’s “legitimate right to defend itself, its citizens, and its sovereignty.”

“The silence in the face of this crime is complicity in its execution,” he added. “Responding to aggression is a legitimate right and a religious duty.”

Israel launched a wide-ranging military operation early Friday under the name Operation Rising Lion, targeting more than 200 sites in Iran, including the Natanz nuclear facility. Iranian officials confirmed the deaths of top military figures including Revolutionary Guard commander Hossein Salami, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, and several nuclear scientists. Iran reported at least 78 killed and hundreds wounded.

In response, Iran launched dozens of missiles at Israel, some of which reached Tel Aviv. Israeli officials reported three deaths and about 100 injuries.