Moqtada al-Sadr, leader of the National Shiite Movement, warned against escalation by some parties seeking positions ahead of the elections, stressing that attempts to provoke tension or target him will fail. Al-Sadr wrote on X platform: “We expect some parties seeking positions to escalate during the remaining days before the elections,” adding, “If you want escalation, know that we are ready, your threats will not scare us nor will your arrows harm us.” He also noted that “leaks will not cause discord,” following the circulation of an alleged audio recording plotting his assassination by a drone during a visit to his father’s shrine.

Supporters of the movement took to the streets in Basra, calling on security authorities to take action against those behind the plot. Meanwhile, MP Yasser al-Maliki from the State of Law Coalition denied the authenticity of the audio recording attributed to him, describing the accusations as fabrications aimed at creating new discord.

Reports revealed that the Coordination Framework is attempting to open new communication channels with al-Sadr through religious mediators outside Iraq to convince him to reconsider his decision to boycott the elections, though a close associate confirmed the decision rests solely with al-Sadr and is hard to predict.

The Coordination Framework is scheduled to hold a meeting to discuss important issues including oil exports via the Jihan border crossing, understanding with Iran regarding international sanctions and their impact on Iraq, the Syrian file and security challenges along the shared border, water issues, and preparations for the elections both logistically and security-wise.

Economic sanctions on Iran have come back into effect, raising widespread concern in the region, especially in Iraq which has close economic and security ties with Tehran.