Iraq's top Shiite cleric Ali al-Sistani on Friday condemned mutual US and Iranian attacks on Iraqi soil and warned of deteriorating security in the country and wider region as a result of Washington's standoff with Tehran.
The United States killed Iran's Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in an airstrike next to Baghdad airport on Jan. 3. Iran responded late on Tuesday by firing missiles at US-led forces in Iraq.
It was the most serious escalation of tension between the United States and Iran.
Sistani said the attacks were a violation of sovereignty and that no foreign powers should be allowed to decide Iraq's fate.
Sistani delivered his message through a representative who spoke at Friday prayer in Kerbala.
"The use of over-the-top methods by different sides which possess power and influence ... will only entrench the crisis and prevent a solution," the representative said.
"The latest dangerous aggressive acts, which are repeated violations of Iraqi sovereignty, are a part of the deteriorating situation" in the region, he said.
