Analysis of the relations between the Muqtada Sadr movement and the Islamic Republic of Iran (2003 to 2024)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Imam Hussein University

2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

3 PhD student, Department of History, Shahid Beheshti University

10.22103/jic.2025.25561.1452

Abstract

This study examines the complex and volatile relationship between Muqtada al-Sadr, the leader of Iraq’s Sadrist movement, and the Islamic Republic of Iran during the period 2003–2024. The significance and necessity of this research stem from the decisive role these relations have played in Iraq’s domestic and foreign policy, as well as their impact on the regional balance of power. In the aftermath of the Ba‘ath regime’s collapse, when Iraq faced a power vacuum and the presence of numerous internal and external actors, the interactions between al-Sadr and Iran emerged as one of the most critical factors shaping the country’s political, security, and social developments. The study aims to analyze the historical trajectory of these relations and explain the factors of convergence and divergence between the two actors. These dynamics have been redefined through issues such as resistance against foreign occupation, identity and ideological differences, the rise of ISIS, Iraqi elections, the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani, and regional developments. The research adopts a qualitative, descriptive-analytical approach. The sources include library research, media documents, and analytical works in Arabic, English, and Persian. The findings show that the Sadr–Iran relationship has gone through four main phases: tactical cooperation, distancing, open confrontation, and strategic silence. The study concludes that by emphasizing a nationalist identity and drawing boundaries with Iran’s regional policies, al-Sadr has managed to build an independent popular and discursive base. However, his complete elimination from Iraq’s political scene has proven impossible for Iran and its allies. This research characterizes the

Keywords

References

  1. Afshon Ostovar )2016) Vanguard of the Imam: Religion, Politics, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards ,Oxford University Press.
  2. Ajami, F. (1992). The vanished Imam: Musa al-Sadr and the Shi‘a of Lebanon. Cornell University Press.
  3. Al Arabiya. (2022). Iraq’s Political Deadlock: A Struggle Between Sadr and Pro-Iran Blocs. https://english.alarabiya.net/
  4. Al-Marashi, (2012). Muqtada al-Sadr's Nationalist Turn. https://www.aljazeera.com
  5. Al-Monitor. (2022). Despite Harsh Stances, Iraq's Muqtada al-Sadr Still Useful Ally for Iran. https://www.al-monitor.com
  6. al-Rikabi, J. (2012). A theory for ‘Islamic democracy’: Baqir al-Sadr and the Islamic state. Journal of Shi‘a Islamic Studies, 5(1), 5–28
  7. Alshamary, M. (2024, May 22). A scramble for legitimacy: Iraq’s political elites since the                                           October2019protests.ClingendaelInstitute. https://www.clingendael.org/publication/scramble-legitimacy-iraqs-political-elites-october-2019-protests
  8. Atlantic Council. (2023). The Sadrist Movement in Iraq: Between Protest and Power. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org
  9. Bechocha, J. (2022, July 9). Sadr says Iraq a 'prisoner of corruption'. Rudaw. https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/090720221
  10. Chatham House. (2022). The Sadrist Movement in Iraq: Between Protest Politics and Power. https://www.chathamhouse.org
  11. Chulov, M. (2022).  The Guardian. Clashes Between Sadr Supporters and Pro-Iran Factions Escalate. https://www.theguardian.com
  12. Cochrane, M. (2009). The fragmentation of the Sadrist movement. Institute for the Study of War.
  13. Cockburn, P. (2008). Muqtada al-Sadr and the Fall of Iraq. London: Faber & Faber.
  14. Cordesman, A. H., & Ramos, J. (2008, August 4). Sadr and the Mahdi Army. Center for Strategic and International Studies.
  15. Davison & Rasheed  (2022). Reuters. Rift Between Tehran and Shi'ite Cleric Fuels Instability in Iraq. https://www.reuters.com
  16. Dodge, T. (2018). Iraq: From War to a New Authoritarianism. Routledge.
  17. FDD. (2023). Iran’s Strategy in Iraq: Continuity and Change. https://www.fdd.org
  18. Firas Elias. Iran’s Dilemma in Managing Shiite Conflicts in Iraq. 2022/ 10/6. 
  19. Hasan. H. (2023) Carnegie Middle East Center. Sadr’s Shadow: Iraq’s Political Future. https://carnegie-mec.org
  20. https://en.964media.com/28846/ - Muqtada Al-Sadr congratulates Syrians on Al-Assad’s ouster . 2024/12/9
  21. https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/irans-dilemma-managing-shiite-conflicts-     iraq?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  22. ICG (International Crisis Group). (2017). Iran’s Priorities in a Turbulent Middle East. https://www.crisisgroup.org
  23. International Crisis Group. (2008). Iraq’s civil war, the Sadrists and the surge. International Crisis Group.
  24. Katzman, K. (2018). Iran’s Foreign and Defense Policies. Congressional Research Service. https://crsreports.congress.gov
  25. Knights, M. (2019). Iran’s Expanding Militia Army in Iraq. Washington Institute for Near East Policy. https://www.washingtoninstitute.org
  26. Lister & London (2023). Middle East Institute. Iran’s Consolidated Proxy Strategy in Iraq. https://www.mei.edu
  27. Middle East Eye. (2023). Sadr Speaks: No to Iran, No to US. https://www.middleeasteye.net
  28. Nasr, V. (2006). The Shia Revival: How Conflicts Within Islam Will Shape the Future. New York: Norton.
  29. Press TV. (2013). Iran’s Role in Combating Terrorism in Iraq. https://www.presstv.ir
  30. Sadjadpour, K. (2021). The Battle for Iraq’s Future. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. https://carnegieendowment.org
  31. Time Magazine. (2020). The Aftermath of Qasem Soleimani's Assassination. https://time.com
  32. Washington Institute. (2023). Popular Attitudes Toward Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq. https://www.washingtoninstitute.org
  33. Wikileaks. (2009). US Embassy Cables: Iran's Influence in Iraq. https://wikileaks.org
  34. Wing, J. (2014, August 13). Moqtada al-Sadr’s Difficult Relationship With Iran: Interview With Subaltern Research Services’ Dr. Nicholas Krohley. Musings on Iraq. Retrieved from https://musingsoniraq.blogspot.com/2014/08/moqtada-al-sadrs-difficult-relationship.html
Iranian Civilization Research
Volume 7, Issue 2 - Serial Number 14
December 2026
Pages 194-215

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics