Iraqi Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi has strongly condemned recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia that originated from Iraq. These sentiments were expressed during a conversation with the Chairman of the Saudi Shura Council, as the Iraqi government continues to pursue a joint investigation into the incidents with Iran. This condemnation reflects Iraq’s commitment to ensuring its territory is not used for actions that threaten the sovereignty of neighboring nations, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Condemnation of Attacks and Iraq’s Position
In a statement released by the Speaker’s office, al-Halbousi condemned the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. He emphasized Iraq’s refusal to allow its territory to be used for assaults on the security of the Kingdom or any of its neighbors. The Speaker reiterated Iraq’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with neighboring countries. He noted that such actions are inconsistent with Iraq’s foreign policy and its obligation to foster cooperative ties with both siblings and neighbors.
Government Response and Investigative Actions
On Saturday, the Iraqi government acknowledged and confirmed Saudi Arabia’s claims regarding the attacks aimed at its strategic East-West oil pipeline, noting that these originated from Maysan province. In response, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi took preventive measures, including the removal of the Operations Command head in Maysan and closing border crossings with Iran to ensure security. The government was prompt in addressing the issue, showcasing its determination to protect relations with Saudi Arabia while taking accountability for actions impacting its security landscape.
Joint Investigation with Iranian Authorities
To address these escalating tensions, Iraq and Iran have agreed to conduct a joint investigation. This collaboration was sparked by the discovery of several drone-launching platforms near their shared borders. The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attacks and mitigate any threats that might exploit Iraqi territory. This proactive approach underscores Iraq’s commitment to regional stability and its role as a responsible actor in neighborhood security matters.
Regional Diplomacy and Future Relations
During the ongoing tensions, both nations have expressed a willingness to bolster their diplomatic relations. The Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council has highlighted the importance of the longstanding ties between the two countries, emphasizing their mutual interests in upholding security and stability in the region. This diplomatic acknowledgment presents an opportunity for Iraq to further strengthen its ties with the Kingdom, moving beyond recent turmoil toward cooperative engagement in matters of mutual interest.
Amid these developments, factions in Iraq aligned with Iran, including the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, face pressure to adhere to the Iraqi government’s mandate to limit arms to state forces only. Although some groups have shown openness towards this directive, the Iranian-aligned factions emphasize the continued presence of foreign forces as a reason for their reluctance to comply. This dynamic illustrates the complexities within Iraq regarding governance, security, and the influence of external forces on domestic policy.
Overall, the situation emphasizes Iraq’s determination to maintain sovereignty and stability in the region. The government’s proactive measures and commitments to dialogue and cooperation highlight its role in fostering a secure and collaborative environment among neighboring countries.