Iraq’s powerful Shi’ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said on Monday he was quitting politics over an intractable political deadlock, sparking clashes between his followers and those backing Iran-aligned militia groups. 

Dozens of young men loyal to Sadr and supporters of the Tehran-backed groups hurled stones at each other in street battles outside Baghdad’s Green Zone, which houses government compounds and embassies. Gunfire was heard in central Baghdad, reporters said, apparently from weapons being fired into the air.