Pro-Iran Protests Erupt Across Iraq Amid Escalating Israel-Iran War | WATCH

Recent reports indicate that pro-Iran demonstrations have taken place in Iraq, particularly in Baghdad and other regions, amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. On June 13, 2025, following Israel's large-scale airstrikes on Iran under Operation Rising Lion, demonstrators gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square and other locations to protest the Israeli attacks and express solidarity with Iran, with some burning U.S. flags and calling for the closure of the U.S. embassy. Iraq’s ruling Shiite Coordination Framework has called for mass protests across the country in support of Iran, denouncing the strikes as violations of international norms and urging Iraqis to reject the aggression.

These demonstrations have reportedly involved supporters of Iranian-backed militias, such as the Popular Mobilization Forces and Kataib Hezbollah, with some rallies featuring Iranian flags and chants favoring Tehran.

Protests have also occurred in southern governorates like Maysan, where participants rejected Western influence and aligned with Iran. However, there are conflicting reports suggesting that some demonstrators may not be local residents but rather "imported" supporters or proxy forces, raising questions about the organic nature of these gatherings.

Additionally, tensions have escalated, with clashes reported between protesters and Iraqi security forces near the U.S. embassy, though the militias have so far relied more on rhetoric than direct military action against Israel or the U.S.

While these events reflect a significant pro-Iran sentiment among certain Iraqi factions, the broader public response remains unclear, and the situation is complicated by Iraq’s delicate position as a partner to both the U.S. and Iran. The use of Iraqi airspace in the conflict has further fueled these protests, with some accusing the government of complicity.