Najaf Friday preacher says US-Iran tensions have entered a new phase

NAJAF, Iraq — The Friday preacher of Najaf, Sadruddin Kapanci, said tensions between the United States and Iran have entered a new phase and that the Iranian public is turning to the option of revenge. Delivering the Friday sermon, Kapanci said commemorations held in Najaf and Karbala for Iran's supreme leader carried political and religious messages, adding that the mass turnout reflected the unity of oppressed peoples. Kapanci said the ceremonies amounted to a renewal of allegiance rather than a mere memorial event. Addressing domestic issues, he said the opening of corruption files had drawn public support and stressed that the judiciary must act independently, free from internal and external pressure. He called for the campaign not to be instrumentalized for political purposes. On the killing of the Iranian leader, Kapanci said fatwas calling for the pursuit of those responsible showed that the killer could not escape justice. No further details were immediately available.