Iraq Denies Approval or Prior Knowledge of US-Saudi Strikes on Its Territory

The Iraqi government has denied any involvement in US-Saudi strikes on its territory. According to Haider al-Aboudi, Iraq's government spokesperson, Baghdad neither approved nor had prior knowledge of the attacks carried out by Saudi Arabia and the US Central Command (CENTCOM) against Iran-backed groups in Iraq.

The strikes were reportedly conducted in response to drone attacks aimed at Saudi oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh attributed to Iran-backed armed groups operating in Iraq. However, Aboudi stated that the government had no prior knowledge of the attacks and did not grant any approval for them.

In the wake of the military action, Iraq's Ministerial Council for National Security strongly condemned the operation as a direct breach of national sovereignty. At least 18 people were killed and 20 others wounded among PMF personnel in the bombardment.