Daijiworld Media Network - Baghdad

Baghdad, Sep 26: Abu Ala al-Walai, leader of the Iran-backed Iraqi armed group Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, has urged members of the Iraqi parliament to press the government to reject what he described as US pressure to support a blockade on Iran.

In a statement, al-Walai said Iraq should not become part of what he called an “unjust blockade” against Iran and urged the country to adopt a clear position of “no to the blockade”.

He called on lawmakers to push for a government decision rejecting US demands, arguing that Iraq should maintain its independence in determining its position on the issue.

Al-Walai cited Russia and China as examples of countries that, according to him, had resisted Western sanctions and what he described as “policies of diktat”.

His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and growing international pressure over Iran, with Iraq facing calls to clarify its position on measures targeting Tehran.