Topic overview
In brief
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Saudi Intelligence chief Khalid bin Ali Al Humaidan met in Baghdad to discuss strained relations.
- The meeting followed a joint Saudi-US operation that killed 20 fighters, leading to Iraq's condemnation of the strikes.
- Both leaders focused on improving security cooperation and reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to its sovereignty.
Summary
In Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Saudi Arabian Intelligence chief Khalid bin Ali Al Humaidan met to address the strained relations between their countries. This meeting occurred after a joint Saudi-US operation on July 29, which resulted in the deaths of 20 fighters from Iraqi armed groups, including five Iranians. The operation was justified by Saudi Arabia as retaliation for drone attacks on its oil infrastructure, which it attributed to pro-Iranian Iraqi armed groups. In response, Iraq's National Security Council condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty.
During the meeting, Al Humaidan extended a renewed invitation for al-Zaidi to visit Riyadh, following the cancellation of the Prime Minister's earlier trip in protest of the strikes. Al-Zaidi emphasized Iraq's commitment to ensuring that its territory would not be used for attacks against other nations, reaffirming the importance of national sovereignty. The discussions also focused on enhancing security cooperation between Baghdad and Riyadh amid rising regional tensions.