Islamic Resistance in Iraq Postpones Response to US-Saudi Strikes Following Al-Amiri's Appeal

Peregraf — The Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced Friday it was postponing a retaliatory response to the United States and its regional allies that had been due today, citing an appeal from Badr Organization leader Hadi al-Amiri and other political leaders.

In a statement, the group said the decision came "in response to the call of the mujahid Hajj Abu Hassan al-Amiri, and in line with honorable positions taken by some upright political leaders," to delay the response that had been scheduled for the 23rd of Safar.

The statement affirmed that the blood of "pure martyrs" was not and would not be a bargaining chip in political calculations, and called on those it said were blinded by political office to reconsider their positions regarding the protection of blood and violated sovereignty.

It warned the United States and its regional allies that the blood of the group's dead and wounded was "fuel for our steadfastness," and that sovereignty would not be restored through "timid statements" but through the resolve of "the faithful who do not compromise on the sanctity of the land or the dignity of the martyrs."

The statement was dated August 7, 2026, corresponding to the 23rd of Safar, 1448 AH — the same date the group had previously set as a deadline for a response to US-Saudi strikes that hit Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) headquarters across several Iraqi provinces on July 29, killing at least 20 PMF fighters and wounding 32, according to a preliminary PMF toll.

The announcement follows a video statement earlier Friday in which al-Amiri urged fighters of the Islamic Resistance to hold off on retaliation, saying the rights of those killed and wounded would instead be pursued through diplomatic channels.