ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - A heated argument between Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani and his first deputy, Mohsen al-Mandalawi, caused chaos in the Iraqi parliament ahead of a scheduled session on Monday and lead to its adjournment, according to The New Region's correspondent in Baghdad.

The verbal clash was preceded by comments recently made by Mashhadani relating to Iraqi national identity that were perceived to convey sectarian undertones, with the Sunni Speaker's remarks being poorly received by Shiite MPs.

The session was expected to include discussions on a draft law to encourage and protect investment between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, as well as amendments to the parliamentary law. However, the parliament’s media office later announced that the session had been canceled before it began.

A reporter for The New Region, present inside the parliament, said the verbal clash between Mashhadani and Mandalawi quickly escalated, leading to an altercation between Shiite and Sunni lawmakers. Both sides reportedly called on each other to resign.

“This isn’t just a dispute within the presidency of parliament; it’s a national issue,” lawmaker Mohammed Nouri told The New Region. “The Speaker’s repeated statements are destabilizing and carry sectarian tones.”

Nouri said lawmakers demanded an apology from Mashhadani, but he refused. The session was canceled in response, frustrating many citizens who have waited for these laws to be passed for several legislative cycles.

He added that the Speaker’s recent statements, particularly after a visit to Turkey, stirred anger due to their sectarian nature. “This could be linked to the upcoming elections or other motives,” Nouri said. “We reject such rhetoric and will continue to confront it.”

Mashhadani appeared on the television program Al-Muqaraba recently, where he made several remarks that provoked controversy. Nouri said the issue stems from a series of statements over time, not just the latest ones.

“He recently made a comment about Iraqi identity that insulted respected national figures, regardless of their political background,” Nouri said. “Because of these reckless statements, we have started collecting signatures to remove him from office and refer him to a medical committee to assess his mental fitness.”