Shiite Cleric Ponders Running to Succeed Iraqi PM

Iraqi Shiite cleric Qassem Taei.
Iraqi Shiite cleric Qassem Taei.
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Shiite Cleric Ponders Running to Succeed Iraqi PM

Iraqi Shiite cleric Qassem Taei.
Iraqi Shiite cleric Qassem Taei.

Iraqi Shiite cleric Qassem Taei announced that he is considering running for head of the Iraqi government to succeed the outgoing Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.

A statement released by Taei’s office said that the cleric “received many requests by the demonstrators to run for office, especially by demonstrators in the Dhi Qar governorate.”

Dhi Qar protesters demonstrated in support of the cleric with some voicing their confidence in his ability to pull the country out of its current crisis.

“Taie has a comprehensive program that includes eliminating corruption and bringing all the corrupt from 2003 to date to trial, no matter how influential they are,” the statement said, adding that although Taei has not yet decided his position on this nomination, he is studying the matter seriously.

Abdul Mahdi resigned in December following massive anti-government protests.

He is serving in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed.

Deep differences remain between political forces and demonstrators over appointing the next prime minister.

Protesters insist on the departure and accountability of all political elites accused of corruption and waste of state funds and who have governed since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003.



Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
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Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)

The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Thursday warned Hezbollah against getting involved in the war between its main backer Iran and Israel.

"I can say on behalf of President (Donald) Trump... that would be a very, very, very bad decision," Barrack said, responding to a question on what the US position would be on any involvement by Hezbollah in the war.

Barrack met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace and Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.

Hezbollah has condemned Israel's strikes on Iran and expressed full solidarity with its leadership.

Hezbollah on Thursday expressed support for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following threats by Israeli leaders that he could be killed.

In a statement, Hezbollah said that “threats to assassinate (Khamenei) are foolish and reckless, and will have disastrous consequences.”

But the group has stopped short of making explicit threats to intervene.

Israel's defense minister said Thursday that Khamenei "can no longer be allowed to exist" after an Israeli hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack.

"Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed -- he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals. He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal," Israel Katz told journalists in Holon near Tel Aviv. "Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist."

Killing Khamenei would "end the conflict" between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.