Indirectly referencing the assassination of Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani by the US and Tehran’s retaliatory missile strikes, Sistani said that such actions would “exacerbate the problems related to Iraq’s political, economic, and social systems.”

“It is enough. All sides should feel responsible and uphold their responsibility to their country and nation and try to avoid any action that might damage Iraq or its citizens,” He said.

“Outsiders influencing Iraq should not be permitted and should not have any role,” he added.

He also called on all parties to put aside self-interest and work in the interest of Iraq and its people.

Caretaker Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi said on Friday, January 10, that he told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call the previous day to select a representative to ensure a smooth withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.

“Select your representatives in Iraq to choose a mechanism for US troop withdrawal safely from Iraq and to fulfill the decision of the Council of Representatives,” Abdul Mahdi said in a statement quoting the phone call.

“You brought your troops into Iraq and your aircraft soar through Iraqi airspace without the government’s permission. These are breaches of our agreement,” he added.

Reporter’s code: 50101