Angry Iraqi protesters in Basra condemned Tehran’s interference in local politics, later storming the Iranian consulate and torching its flags after having already burned 20 headquarters of factions and organizations loyal to Tehran. Breaking into the consulate, especially with Iran being considered one of the main players in the Iraqi political arena, marks a massive turning point for popular protests in Basra. At least nine protesters were killed by security forces brutality during demonstrations. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasimi denounced protests burning down the consulate and blamed the Iraqi government for failing to protect its diplomatic missions. After the demonstrations intensified and the mission was set ablaze, Iran closed the Shalamjah border with Iran and asked its citizens in Basra to leave. Protesters shouted condemnation of Iranian influence over Iraqs political parties. “All the staff and diplomats were evacuated from the building before the incursion,” a press release said. In turn, the Iraqi government imposed a curfew in Basra and sent security reinforcement. Demonstrators set fire to a number of government buildings and party headquarters on Thursday night. Protesters reportedly tried to storm the Iran-linked Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters in the city. Demonstrators escalated the unrest by shutting down Umm Qasr, Iraqs only big seaport, 60 km south of Basra. On another note, the Iraqi parliament is expected to hold an emergency session Saturday in the presence of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, with increasing criticism directed against the current government. Abadi was a target of harsh criticism directed by the top Shiite leader and cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Abadis national security council met on Friday and said it was pursuing an investigation into the casualties at the protests. Abadi, under pressure to promise more money to fix Basras public services, said funds that had previously been allocated would be released. Iraqs politicians have so far failed to agree on a new government after an inconclusive election in May. The new parliament finally met on Monday for the first time but broke up after a day with no faction assembling enough votes to elect a speaker much less name the next prime minister.