Iraq has documented evidence of external parties leveraging its territory to conduct attacks against neighboring nations, according to statements made by the country’s foreign minister. Baghdad is actively investigating assaults originating from Iraqi soil directed at Gulf states and is pursuing resolution of tensions with Saudi Arabia through diplomatic channels.
Saudi Arabia has previously held Iran-aligned factions operating within Iraq responsible for strikes targeting its oil infrastructure. In September, the Iraqi government acknowledged that drone operations against the kingdom’s East-West pipeline were launched from Iraqi territory. The foreign minister indicated that Baghdad is engaged in negotiations with Iran-aligned armed groups to consolidate weapons under state authority, emphasizing that such efforts must proceed through dialogue rather than military means. Additionally, Iraq maintains communication with Tehran regarding weaponry controlled by Iraqi factions.
The Iraqi government had established an original deadline of September 30 for armed groups to surrender weapons to state control, coinciding with the scheduled conclusion of the U.S.-led coalition’s counterterrorism mission. The deadline was subsequently extended to June 2027 following significant resistance to the disarmament initiative, despite sustained pressure from the United States to advance weapons collection efforts.
Regarding Iraq’s positioning between Tehran and Washington, the foreign minister confirmed that the United States formally sought closure of all but two border crossings with Iran. He stated that while Iraq values partnership and alliance with Tehran, it opposes external interference in domestic matters. The foreign minister also noted that Iraq sustained approximately $60 billion in losses from the suspension of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, though trade has resumed following agreements reached between Washington and Tehran.
With respect to counterterrorism operations following the coalition withdrawal, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Türkiye have established a coordinating committee focused on combating the presence of extremist groups in Syria.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI