Iraq PM Receives Renewed Riyadh Invitation After Joint U.S.-Saudi Strikes

The Iraqi Prime Minister has been given an invitation to visit Riyadh after holding high-level security meetings with top Saudi intelligence official, Gen Khalid bin Ali al-Humaidan, the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Media Office has said.

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The invitation is issued just a week after an intended trip to Saudi Arabia was canceled due to joint U.S.-Saudi airstrikes against armed groups backed by Iran in eastern Iraq in late July.

In the Iraqi capital Baghdad, during the meeting, the Iraqi and Saudi officials discussed regional security developments, especially regarding the cooperation and intelligence coordination for combating terror. The discussions also concerned the actions taken to stop Iraq from using its territory to attack other Gulf countries.

The Iraqi government confirmed its stance that the use of the Iraqi territory for attacks on neighbouring countries by armed groups is impermissible. Baghdad also reiterated its efforts to safeguard Iraq’s sovereignty and national integrity.

The renewed move toward diplomacy comes in the wake of strikes on July 29 against oil industry facilities and weapons depots in the eastern part of Iraq, which were being used by allegedly pro-Baathist elements. It was said to have resulted in heavy casualties and risk of further regional escalation.

Saudi Arabia has blamed the action on “drone attacks against its energy infrastructure from Iraqi airspace.” There have been steps taken that have added to Baghdad’s pressure to maintain a tighter grip on armed groups within the country.

The conflicts seemed to defuse on Friday as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of pro-Iranian groups, announced its plans for potential retaliatory operations against Saudi and Washington interests have been delayed. Security officials in Iraq have also tightened security measures and surveillance over the borders to avoid unauthorized launches from Iraq.

Another possible side to an invitation to Riyadh that could open a new dimension for Baghdad and Riyadh to exchange security concerns and tie up the bilateral relations. If the Iraqi prime minister returns, he is likely to be remembered for his balancing act between domestic security concerns and ties with the Gulf, and further afield.