Iraq Denies Involvement in Joint US-Saudi Airstrikes on Its Territory

The government of Iraq has denied any involvement in joint US-Saudi airstrikes on its own territory. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's planned visit to Saudi Arabia was suspended due to the strikes, which killed at least 20 militants, including five Iranian nationals. The Iraqi government spokesperson stated that they had no prior knowledge of the attacks and did not authorize them.

US President Donald Trump claimed that the airstrikes were coordinated with Baghdad, but this contradicts the Iraqi government's account. Saudi Arabia attributed the strikes to intercepted drones from Iran-backed groups based in Iraq targeting its oil facilities. The Tehran-backed armed factions operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq denied they had targeted Saudi oil infrastructure.

The episode sharpens the bind facing Prime Minister Zaidi, who assumed office earlier this year with Trump's endorsement and has pledged to rein in Iran-aligned armed groups. Washington has escalated pressure on Baghdad to act against these factions, which have targeted US military facilities in Iraq and across the region.