He spoke of the Iranian ambitions, saying that Iraq, as always, will be immune to any attempts to change its identity, alter its heritage and falsify its history.
In an interview with Al-Hayat newspaper on Dec. 21, 2013, Sadr criticized the Iranian role in Iraq. He said, “Qasem Soleimani is the most powerful man in Iraq,” who implements an Iranian agenda in the country. He added that there are disagreements on some fundamental issues with the Iranians.
In an interview with the Iraqi Al-Mada channel on Feb. 26, spokesman for Sadr, Sheikh Salah al-Obeidi, said, “Muqtada al-Sadr does not want Iranians to speak on behalf of Iraqi Shiites.” He added, "Muqtada al-Sadr has repeatedly said that we are with Iran, as a neighboring country that we respect, but we categorically reject any Iranian interference in the Iraqi internal affairs.”
In regard to the recent Sadrist support for the protests and sit-ins, he said, “Iranians are wary of Muqtada al-Sadr’s current moves. They are complaining that he takes decisions without seeking their advice, does not listen to their advice and always surprises them with embarrassing decisions.”
A statement on March 13 by the committee overseeing the Sadrist Movement’s protests referred to Sadr as “the Arab leader,” which points at Sadr’s attempt to separate himself from the Iranian agendas.
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