Najaf Cleric Warns of Iran's 'Slow Suffocation' Policy as Regional Tensions Shift

Najaf’s Friday prayer imam Sadruddin al-Kabanchi said Iran is pursuing a policy of “slow suffocation,” while arguing that it can withstand threats by drawing strength from the characters Hussein and Bahram. His remarks came as regional and international developments continued to reshape the security and political environment around Iraq. Kabanchi also referred to news that the US Senate had approved a bill limiting Trump’s war powers against Iran. The measure adds to the pressure surrounding Washington’s approach to Tehran as tensions remain elevated. In Najaf province, the discovery of a new oil field was presented as a development that would strengthen the regional economy. The find adds fresh weight to the province’s energy outlook and broader investment potential. Kabanchi also assessed reports that five Arab countries would conduct a joint operation against armed groups in Iraq. Separately, he condemned Israel’s interception of a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.