Najaf protesters rally in support of Iran, condemn Israeli strikes and US presence

NAJAF — Dozens of demonstrators, including seminary students and members of the Badr Organization, gathered Monday at Najaf’s Thawrat Al-Ishreen bridges to protest what they described as Israeli aggression against Iran and to express support for the Islamic Republic.

“Today, Najaf has come out with its men in support of the Islamic Republic of Iran and in support of the great Imam Khomeini and the great Khamenei,” protester Qais Uday told 964media. “Today, all of Islam has emerged against all of polytheism. This is a battle between faith and disbelief, and we have many ties with the Islamic Republic, and we say: humiliation is far from us.”

The protest followed a call Sunday night by the Coordination Framework — a coalition of Shia political groups that leads Iraq’s governing alliance — for nationwide demonstrations to denounce Israeli strikes on Iran and express solidarity with Tehran.

Hamza Hussein, another demonstrator, said the rally included participants from various sectors. “This is a protest by the people of Najaf, including seminary students, Badr members, and supporters of the Islamic Republic. We all condemn and reject the attack on Iran and stand united in defending the rights of all Muslims.”

Ali Al-Mousawi added, “The seminary students in Najaf held this protest to express our rejection of the actions by Zionist forces backed by the U.S. We demand the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.”

On Friday, a similar demonstration was held in Baghdad’s Jadriya district, where supporters of the Popular Mobilization Forces, along with tribal leaders and clerics, denounced Israeli strikes on Iran and what they said was the use of Iraqi airspace in the operation.

Tensions in the region have escalated sharply since Friday, when Israel launched widespread airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, prompting retaliatory missile fire by Iran. The unrest has fueled calls across Iraq’s political and religious landscape for public mobilization in support of Tehran.