Mr. al-Sadr has navigated an uneasy relationship with Iran, where he has pursued his religious studies. With regard to the United States, he and his allies have refused to meet with US officials.
He and the Iranian leadership shared similar goals when their fighters fought US forces after 2003. But Mr. Sadr is seen as an Iraqi nationalist, an identity that has sometimes put him in conflict with Iran – a country he cannot resist.
In a speech on Monday night, Mr. al-Sadr said that all embassies in Iraq are welcome as long as they do not interfere in Iraqi affairs or government formation. The cleric also indirectly criticized Iran-backed militias, some of whom call themselves “the Resistance”.
“Even those who claim resistance or the like, it is time for the people to live in peace without occupation, terrorism, militias and kidnappings,” he said in an address broadcast on state TV. “Today is the day of victory of the people against occupation, generalization, militia, poverty and slavery,” he said in an apparent reference to normalizing relations with Israel.
“He is using some acrimonious language against Iran and resistance groups linked to Iran,” said Ghis Ghorishi, a political analyst who has advised Iran’s foreign ministry on Iraq after Mr. . Speaking of an online discussion group. “There is a real lack of trust and grievances between Sadr and Iran.”