Biden and Iraqi PM Al Kadhimi discuss Baghdad unrest

Call follows a violent 24 hours that shook Iraq after influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr's resignation from politics

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi spoke with US President Joe Biden following violence that left at least 30 people dead. Photo: Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office

US President Joe Biden offered his full support to Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on Wednesday following violent political unrest in Baghdad.

Mr Biden called Mr Al Kadhimi and commended the prime minister's efforts to de-escalate tension through dialogue and diplomacy.

The two leaders agreed to remain in touch over the coming weeks, the White House said.

The call comes after clashes in Baghdad that left at least 30 people dead and hundreds injured.

The violence erupted after supporters of Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr stormed Baghdad's Green Zone after he announced his resignation from politics.

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  Smoke billows in the background in the capital Baghdad during an army-imposed nationwide curfew a day after 23 supporters of powerful Shiite leader Moqtada Al Sadr were shot dead during fighting in Baghdad's Green Zone. AFP

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  Iraqi armoured security vehicles clash with Saraya Al Salam (Peace Brigade), the military wing affiliated with Mr Al Sadr, as fighting between rival Iraqi forces resumed in Baghdad. AFP

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  An armed member of the Peace Brigade aims a rocket-propelled grenade during clashes with Iraqi security forces in Baghdad's Green Zone. AFP

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  Armed members of the Peace Brigade during clashes in Baghdad's Green Zone. AFP

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  A boy walks near the office of Badr Organisation, which was burnt by supporters of Mr Al Sadr in Baghdad. Reuters

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  Members of Mr Al Sadr's Peace Brigade. Reuters

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  Mr Al Sadr's fighters fire their weapons. Reuters

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  Peace Brigade fighters near the Green Zone. Reuters

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  Ready to fight, a member of the Peace Brigade is laden with ammunition in Baghdad. Reuters

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  Sadrists gather during clashes with the Iraqi security forces. Reuters

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  A supporter of Mr Al Sadr carries bullet casings and a spent shotgun shell in the Green Zone. AFP

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  An Al Sadr supporter waves the Iraqi flag in Baghdad after the powerful Shiite cleric announced his retirement from politics. AFP

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  Dozens of angry supporters of Mr Al Sadr stormed the Republican Palace, a ceremonial building in the fortified Green Zone. AFP

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  Supporters of Mr Al Sadr help injured protesters during clashes with riot police in Baghdad. EPA

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  The Iraqi army has announced a Baghdad-wide curfew. AFP

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  Supporters of Mr Al Sadr assist protesters injured during clashes with security forces near the prime minister's office in Baghdad. EPA

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  An injured supporter of Mr Al Sadr is given water during a protest in the Green Zone in Baghdad. Reuters

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  Supporters of Mr Al Sadr gather in the Green Zone. AFP

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  Iraqi police try to block the entrance to the Green Zone. AFP

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  Supporters of Mr Al Sadr wave an Iraqi flag from the roof of the government palace during a demonstration in Baghdad. AP

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  Mr Al Sadr's supporters swim amid a protest at the Republican Palace in the Green Zone in Baghdad. Reuters

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  Mr Al Sadr's supporters make their feelings known through gestures inside the palace. Reuters

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  Dozens of angry supporters of Mr Al Sadr gather inside the palace in the capital Baghdad's Green Zone shortly after he said he was quitting politics. AFP

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  Supporters of the powerful cleric stormed the Republican Palace, a ceremonial building in the fortified Green Zone, a security source said. AFP

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  Clashes occurred between the protesters and security troops inside the palace. AFP

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  Iraqi security forces try to prevent protesters from entering the Federal Court during a demonstration in Baghdad. AP

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  Since the end of July, Mr Al Sadr's followers have encamped around parliament, blocking access to critical government buildings. AP

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  Supporters of Mr Al Sadr try to remove concrete barriers in the Green Zone area of Baghdad. AP

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  Iraqi security forces called for calm after the protesters entered the Green Zone. AP

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  Iraqi security forces announced a nationwide curfew starting at 3.30pm local time following the protests. AP

Earlier this month, Mr Al Sadr withdrew his MPs from the Iraqi parliament, protesting against what he called widespread corruption.

The withdrawal followed a months-long stalemate between Sadrists and members of a rival coalition, the Co-ordination Framework, that had stymied government formation efforts.

Mr Al Kadhimi called for restraint and threatened on Tuesday to “vacate his post” if leaders did not resolve the political stand-off.

“I caution and warn against those who continue to sow the seeds of chaos, conflict and infighting, and who refuse to listen to the voice of reason,” he said.

Mr Biden echoed calls for order in Iraq in his phone call with the prime minister.

“The president and the prime minister welcomed the return of security to the streets, and called on all Iraqi leaders to engage in a national dialogue to forge a common way forward consistent with Iraq’s constitution and laws,” the White House said.

Mr Al Kadhimi said on Tuesday that Iraq had formed a committee “to find those responsible for putting arms in the hands of those who opened fire and shot at the demonstrators, and shed blood”.

Back in Washington, opposition Republicans recently demanded the administration increase engagement with Baghdad to end disputes with the Kurdistan region.

Iraq's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to The National's request for comment on Wednesday's phone call.

Iraqi Prime Minister Al Kadhimi threatens to resign if political tension continues — video