Iraq’s dominant political leader Moqtada al-Sadr has retreated from politics amid an ongoing political deadlock in the country over forming a government.
Hours after he announced his decision on Twitter, two people were killed in clashes with security forces after supporters of Mr Sadr stormed the presidential palace.
Hundreds of his followers have been camped outside the Iraqi parliament for weeks, having visited twice before.
Mr Sadr’s statement came two days after he called on all parties and figures involved in political life after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq to give up.
