Iraq’s PM tells Saudi crown prince Iraqi territory will not be used for attacks
Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline was struck by drones last month in an attack that originated in Iraq.
Key points
- Iraqi PM Ali Faleh al-Zaidi told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Iraq will not allow its territory to be used for attacks on Saudi Arabia or other regional countries.
- The assurance came during al-Zaidi's first visit to Riyadh since taking office in May.
- Saudi Arabia said a drone attack last month on its East-West oil pipeline originated in Iraq, and Baghdad's own investigation concluded the strikes were launched from Iraqi territory.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Iraq will not permit its territory to be used for attacks against Saudi Arabia or other countries in the region. Al-Zaidi made the assurance during his first trip to Riyadh since becoming prime minister in May, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
In a statement cited by INA, al-Zaidi's office said Iraq's position is to prevent its land from serving as a launch point for any attacks or actions affecting the security of the kingdom and the region. It also said Iraq is committed to good neighbourliness and to respecting the sovereignty of Iraq and of brotherly and friendly countries.
Pipeline attack and investigation
Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline was hit by drones last month during the Houthis' rapid offensive in Yemen. The strike forced Riyadh to temporarily shut the export route, which Saudi Arabia has used as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. The pipeline, with a maximum capacity of seven million barrels per day, has since resumed operations.
Saudi Arabia said the drone attack originated in Iraq. Baghdad carried out its own investigation and concluded that the strikes were launched from Iraqi territory. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but Iraq is home to numerous Iran-backed armed groups.
Iraq’s firm position is not to allow its territory to be used as a launching pad for any attacks or actions that affect the security of the kingdom and the countries of the region
— Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s office
