The key facts

  • Iraq confirmed that its territory will not be used for attacks on Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region
  • The foreign ministers' call took place against the backdrop of recent attacks on Saudi territory
  • In September, drones launched from Iraqi territory attacked the East–West pipeline; Baghdad linked the attack to Maysan province

Baghdad's statement amid attacks on Saudi Arabia

Iraq said on Thursday that it will not allow its territory to be used to launch attacks on Saudi Arabia or other countries in the region, condemning recent strikes on Saudi territory. The statement came during a phone call between Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

Positions of the parties

According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, Hussein expressed condemnation of the recent attacks on areas of Saudi Arabia and rejected any harm to civilians and civilian objects. He stressed that Baghdad will not allow its territory to become a staging ground for attacks or actions threatening the security of Riyadh and other countries in the region. Bin Farhan, for his part, confirmed Saudi Arabia's support for the efforts of the Iraqi government to reduce tensions and noted the importance of working with neighboring countries to strengthen security and stability. The ministers also discussed strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, primarily in the area of security.

Context of recent weeks

Last week, it is reported, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, rejected the use of Iraqi territory for attacks on Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region and condemned the Houthi strikes on Saudi civilian objects. In September, the East–West pipeline in Saudi Arabia was attacked by drones launched from Iraqi territory; the result was casualties and material damage. Riyadh said at the time that it had decided not to respond for now, after al-Zaidi asked for time to take measures to prevent attacks from Iraqi territory. The Iraqi government later reported that an investigation established the attacks were launched from a site in the southern province of Maysan. Military tension between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has continued since July amid intensified fighting between the Houthis and the government forces of Yemen.