Saudi Arabia and Iraq Refuse Use of Their Territories for War as US-Iran Tensions Boil Over

The governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq have jointly asserted their rejection of the use of their territories to threaten the security and stability of other nations. This affirmation was made as war between the United States and Iran flared up again following the collapse of a ceasefire.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq both emphasised respect for sovereignty, the principle of good neighbourliness, and a stance of non-interference in internal affairs. The statement was issued by the Saudi Foreign Ministry on Sunday, following direct talks between Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Riyadh, attended by senior officials from both countries.

According to the statement, the two foreign ministers reviewed bilateral relations and various ways to strengthen cooperation in multiple fields, in addition to discussing the regional situation and issues of common interest.

Both sides underscored the importance of supporting Iraq’s security and stability, strengthening its national institutions, and continuing bilateral coordination and cooperation in a manner that serves mutual interests and contributes to maintaining regional security and stability.

Iraq also reaffirmed its commitment not to allow its territory or airspace to be used as a launch point for any attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, other Gulf Cooperation Council member states, or any other country in the region.

On Sunday local time, Iran announced its forces had launched strikes on US military sites in several Gulf countries, including Oman, claiming the attacks were retaliation for the latest US strikes on Iranian targets. The escalation followed the collapse of the ceasefire and came after US Central Command said its forces had struck around 140 targets in a fresh military operation against Iran.