Pro-Iran protesters gather near Green Zone as Khamenei’s death sparks unrest

BAGHDAD — Pro-Iran demonstrators gathered Sunday morning near the bridge leading to the Green Zone in central Baghdad following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, chanting slogans against Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and his government, which they described as “agents.”

Hundreds of protesters, many dressed in black and some holding flags of pro-Iran armed groups, hurled stones at security forces, who responded with tear gas as crowds tried repeatedly to breach the Green Zone entrance. “The martyrdom of Sayyed Ali Khamenei has hurt us,” said Ali, a masked protester who spoke to AFP. “We are here because we want the withdrawal of the occupying American forces from Iraq.”

Riot police deployed around the bridge to prevent protesters from advancing. Authorities have kept the 14th of July Bridge — the closest crossing to the Embassy — closed since Saturday night. “Their attempts have been thwarted so far, but they keep trying,” a security source told AFP.

The Spain Embassy in Iraq warned its citizens in a WhatsApp message Sunday morning of “attempts to demonstrate in front of the U.S. Embassy in the Green Zone and clashes with police on the 14th of July Bridge,” urging them to “take maximum precautions today and in the coming days.” The embassy said it remains fully operational.

Hundreds had gathered in the same area Saturday to protest U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, with some attempting to push past security forces before being blocked.

AFP contributed to this report.