New Delhi, 6 November:Prominent Shia Islamic scholar and leader Maulana Hasan Ali Rajani has expressed serious concern over Iran's regional policies, calling for an end to alleged political and military interference in the internal affairs of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and other countries.He stated that every sovereign nation has the right to determine its own political, religious and national priorities without external pressure or interference. Rajani said that over the past four decades, Iran's regional influence and the role of armed organisations and political networks associated with it have remained subjects of serious debate. He called for independent investigations into allegations of foreign interference, armed activities and their impact on regional stability.He emphasised that Iraq's political decisions must be made in Baghdad, not Tehran or any other foreign capital. The people of Syria, Lebanon and Yemen must also have the freedom to determine their own futures without pressure from foreign governments or armed groups.Rajani stressed that Shia Islam and Shia communities must not be equated with the policies of any particular government. Shia Muslims around the world belong to different nations and societies, and their religious identity should never be used as an instrument of geopolitical competition. He also called for a clear distinction between the Iranian people and the policies of the Iranian government. Ordinary Iranian citizens deserve peace, education, healthcare, economic opportunities and a dignified future.He urged the United Nations, international organisations and Islamic countries to support transparent and independent investigations into allegations of foreign interference and human rights violations in affected countries.Concluding his statement, Rajani said that the message of Shia identity should be justice, humanity, peace and solidarity with the oppressed, not unconditional support for the political or military policies of any government. The Middle East needs peace, national sovereignty, reconstruction, education and human development rather than further wars and proxy conflicts.