A group of Iraqi protesters waving Iranian flags declared at a rally in Basra, “We should not be dominated by the United States. If Iranian flights do not resume, no other planes should land.” The protests have now spread to Baghdad, Najaf, and Karbala. Last night, protesters in Basra held a rally along the Shatt al-Arab River, attended by the Basra Provincial Council President and a group of local activists. The protesters stated, “If Iranian flights remain suspended, we will take our protests outside the airport.” Another rally is scheduled for Najaf today. Meanwhile, the Iraqi government is negotiating with Washington to allow Iranian flights to resume at some Iraqi airports.
