Najaf: The Friday sermon preacher in Najaf, Sadr al-Din al-Qubanchi, expressed support for the government’s initiative to resolve the issue of weapons control peacefully. He emphasized the importance of addressing the demands of peaceful protesters who are calling for the payment of their contractual entitlements.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Qubanchi delivered these remarks during the Friday sermon in Najaf. He urged the government and factions to engage in a dialogue guided by the religious authority’s vision, emphasizing the need for the withdrawal of American bases from Iraq. Al-Qubanchi suggested that the government could meet the protesters’ demands by utilizing funds recovered from financial corruption.

Al-Qubanchi also addressed the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, urging unity among Shiites and Sunnis. He called for refraining from statements that could incite sectarian strife and emphasized the importance of unity among all Islamic sects and ethnicities.

Regarding international relations, al-Qubanchi spoke about the recent visit of an Iranian delegation to Iraq. He expressed gratitude to the Islamic Republic for its support in supplying gas to Iraq and its position on the export of Iraqi oil through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the mutual appreciation between the two nations.

On the international front, al-Qubanchi warned Saudi Arabia against recognizing Israel, following Trump’s condition for the Saudi-American nuclear agreement. He stressed that Saudi Arabia should avoid normalization with Israel, considering its significance as the location of the Holy Kaaba and the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb.

Al-Qubanchi also commented on the security dynamics in the region, particularly the security agreement between Pakistan and Kuwait and the alliance between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. He noted that these alliances indicate a growing realization among Arab and Islamic countries to secure their protection independently, as they face a security vacuum and can no longer rely solely on major powers for their defense.