During a meeting with a high-ranking Iraqi military representative on Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s defence minister Khalid bin Salman referred to Iraq as a cherished neighbour. This diplomatic gesture occurred despite recent lethal strikes carried out by US and Saudi forces within Iraqi borders. This visit marks the first time an Iraqi security official has officially traveled to Riyadh since the cancellation of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s planned visit following the July 29 military operation.
According to members of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a coalition of Iraqi armed groups featuring pro-Iran factions, the joint strikes resulted in the deaths of 20 militants, including five Iranian nationals. Riyadh claims these actions were taken to intercept drones aimed at oil infrastructure, attributing the threats to Iran-aligned groups based in Iraq.
In a public statement, Khalid bin Salman emphasized the deep ties between the nations, pledging Saudi support for Iraq’s ongoing stability and economic development. He confirmed that he held discussions with Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, the director of Iraq’s Office of the Commander in Chief, to evaluate bilateral military cooperation and address broader regional concerns. While the Islamic Resistance in Iraq initially threatened retaliation for the strikes, they have since indicated a pause in their response.
The current situation arrives as Baghdad faces intense scrutiny from Washington to disarm various pro-Iran factions that have repeatedly engaged US facilities. Although Prime Minister al-Zaidi has committed to regulating these weapons, he is encountering significant resistance from influential political groups. Iraq continues to struggle to navigate its role as a proxy site for its two primary allies, the United States and Iran.
