BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Falih Al-Zaidi has reaffirmed that his country will not allow its territory to be used as a launchpad or transit route for attacks against neighbouring or friendly countries, underscoring Baghdad’s commitment to regional security and stability.
Al-Zaidi made the remarks during an emergency security meeting held to assess the latest regional developments and strengthen measures aimed at protecting Iraq’s sovereignty, according to a statement issued by the prime minister’s media office on Monday.
Iraq strengthens security measures
During the meeting, Al-Zaidi stressed the importance of preventing any security threats or violations originating from Iraqi territory. He directed officials to establish a joint security committee to address emerging security challenges and develop mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The prime minister also instructed the country’s security agencies to strictly enforce the law, enhance national security, and fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding the country’s borders while reinforcing the principles of good-neighbourly relations.
The statement added that the Armed Forces remain fully prepared to prevent any attempt to use Iraqi territory to launch attacks against neighbouring countries.
Commitment to regional stability
The Iraqi government earlier reiterated its commitment to ensuring that its territory is not exploited as a base or transit route for hostile operations, emphasising that this policy aligns with its responsibility to protect national sovereignty and uphold international law.
Al-Zaidi renewed this commitment after Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that its air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed drones launched from Iraqi territory that were allegedly targeting oil facilities in the Kingdom.
Baghdad rejects efforts to undermine regional relations
The statement also said that armed groups have been attempting to harm Baghdad’s national interests and damage its relations with Arab and Islamic countries by seeking to use its territory and resources as a platform for attacks and regional escalation.
The Iraqi government reaffirmed its determination to prevent such activities, stressing that preserving regional peace, protecting national sovereignty, and maintaining strong relations with neighbouring states remain key priorities.
Saudi Arabia denounces drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq
Last week, Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the drone attacks launched by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq targeting the Kingdom, calling the strikes a violation of its security and sovereignty.
The Foreign Ministry, in a statement, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering determination to safeguard its security and sovereignty, deter aggressors, and exercise its right to respond to the sources of the attacks.
#Statement | Further to the two statements issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, July 27, 2026, and Tuesday, July 28, 2026, concerning the reprehensible drone attacks carried out against the Kingdom by Iran-backed militias in Iraq, and reaffirming the Kingdom’s… pic.twitter.com/P8011Gr2oC
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) July 29, 2026
It also stressed the need for the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to prevent its territories from being used as grounds from which acts of aggression are launched.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia Denounces Drone Attacks by Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki had said the kingdom’s air defences intercepted and destroyed several drones that attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh, blaming “Iran-backed terrorist militias” operating from Iraq for the attacks.
He said the attempted attacks took place over the past several hours and described them as terrorist acts launched from Iraqi territory.
Last month, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein reaffirmed his country’s commitment not to allow its territory or airspace to be used as a launching point for any acts or attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, or other countries in the region.
He said this during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in Riyadh.
During the meeting, they reviewed the fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries and explored ways to strengthen them across various fields. They also discussed the latest developments in the region and issues of mutual interest.
