Iraq will not allow its territory to be used to launch attacks against Saudi Arabia or other countries in the region, Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during talks in Riyadh, according to a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
Al-Zaidi reaffirmed on Wednesday Baghdad’s commitment to good-neighbourly relations and respect for the sovereignty of Iraq and other countries, as the two leaders discussed regional developments and ways to strengthen security cooperation.
The Iraqi premier also condemned the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and other attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, warning that such actions threaten regional security and stability.
The meeting marked Al-Zaidi’s first visit to Saudi Arabia since taking office in May.
Baghdad pledges stronger security coordination
The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation, with a particular focus on coordinating security measures to address regional challenges.
Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Iraqi government’s efforts to promote dialogue and advance regional stability, according to the INA statement.
The talks come amid escalating attacks by Houthi militias on Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities said an October 10 strike on King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and injured 309, while a separate attack the following day killed one person and wounded 11.
Drone launch site raises concerns over Iraqi territory
Security concerns intensified in September when Iraqi authorities announced they had discovered a drone launch site inside the country while investigating attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline. The pipeline attacks caused injuries and damage.
In August, Al-Zaidi ordered the formation of a joint security committee tasked with addressing regional threats and developing measures to prevent Iraqi territory from being used to launch attacks against neighbouring countries.
The initiative followed US-Saudi air strikes against Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq in late July. The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said the joint operation targeted sites linked to attacks on US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia said the strikes were carried out in self-defence after attacks launched from Iraqi territory targeted the kingdom’s petroleum facilities. Riyadh also warned it could take further military action if Iran-backed groups carried out additional attacks.
Al-Zaidi’s pledge in Riyadh signals Baghdad’s stated intention to prevent its territory from becoming a staging ground for attacks as Iraq and Saudi Arabia seek closer coordination amid growing regional tensions.
