Saudi Intelligence Chief Meets Iraqi PM as Riyadh Seeks to Repair Ties

Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief, Khalid bin Ali Al Humaidan, has met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi in Baghdad as the two countries seek to ease tensions following deadly cross-border strikes last month.

During Friday’s meeting, Al-Humaidan renewed an invitation for Al-Zaidi to visit Riyadh, according to the Iraqi prime minister’s office. The Iraqi leader had previously cancelled a planned Saudi visit following the joint US-Saudi strikes on Iraq on July 29.

The attacks killed 20 members of Iraqi armed groups, including five Iranians, and triggered strong condemnation from Baghdad.

The meeting focused on strengthening security coordination between Iraq and Saudi Arabia amid continuing regional tensions. Al-Zaidi reiterated that Iraqi territory would not be used as a launching ground for attacks against other countries, while stressing Baghdad’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia said the July strikes were carried out in response to drone attacks on its oil infrastructure, which it blamed on pro-Iranian Iraqi armed groups. Iraq rejected the justification and described the operation as a violation of its national sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the Iran-aligned Islamic Resistance in Iraq had threatened retaliation for the strikes. However, the group announced on Friday that it was postponing any retaliatory action following political efforts led by influential Iraqi figures, including Hadi al-Amiri.

Al-Zaidi, who assumed office earlier this year with US backing, has also pledged to bring armed groups under government control and set September 30 as a deadline for them to disarm. The move has faced resistance from powerful political and armed factions.

Iraq continues to face the difficult challenge of balancing its relations with both Washington and Tehran, as regional rivalries continue to place pressure on the country.

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