Saudi Arabia summoned Iraq’s ambassador on Sunday after drone and missile strikes launched from Iraqi territory targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and other Gulf states, despite a declared Iran-US ceasefire.
The move came just hours after Bahrain took similar action, summoning Iraq’s charge d’affaires over continued attacks by Iran-aligned groups based in Iraq. Both diplomatic protests underscored mounting frustration among Gulf states that Baghdad is either unable or unwilling to stop attacks originating from its soil, even as it publicly denies complicity and pledges cooperation.
Saudi energy facilities, including a critical east-west pipeline, were hit in the strikes but have since been restored to full capacity, according to Firstpost. The temporary disruption highlighted vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains, even as Saudi officials emphasized the need for Iraq to act responsibly in addressing the threats.
Baghdad denies involvement while offering to investigate
Iraq has consistently rejected accusations that its territory is being used to launch attacks against Gulf states or Jordan, stating We see taking necessary measures “in accordance with the constitution and the law.” Following the latest summons, Baghdad reiterated its “full readiness” to receive evidence and investigate the attacks swiftly and responsibly.
This position mirrors past denials during periods of heightened tension, such as in 2020 when Iraq similarly disavowed responsibility for rocket attacks on U.S. Bases while quietly working to curb militia activity under international pressure. The current situation tests Iraq’s fragile balancing act between maintaining Arab relations and managing influence from Iran-aligned factions within its borders.
Ceasefire holds in name but not in practice along Iraq’s borders
Saudi Arabia Summons Iraq Envoy Over Oil Infra Attacks Amid Iran-US Truce | Firstpost Live
Iran-aligned groups in Iraq had announced their commitment to a two-week Iran-US ceasefire that began at dawn on Wednesday, pledging to suspend actions toward Gulf countries. Yet within hours of the announcement, multiple Gulf states reported new drone and missile strikes originating from Iraqi territory.
The pattern reveals a fracture in command and control, where armed groups either ignore ceasefire pledges or operate with sufficient autonomy to undermine Baghdad’s diplomatic assurances. For Gulf states, the distinction between state inaction and non-state actor impunity offers little comfort when their infrastructure remains under threat.
family:sans-serif”>Context The joint Gulf-Jordanian statement last month demanding Baghdad stop attacks from its territory was signed by Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — marking an unprecedented collective rebuke of Iraq’s security posture.
Why did Saudi Arabia summon Iraq’s ambassador now?
Saudi Arabia summoned Iraq’s ambassador after drone and missile attacks launched from Iraqi territory targeted its energy infrastructure and other Gulf states, despite a declared Iran-US ceasefire. The summoning followed similar diplomatic protests by Bahrain and reflects growing regional concern over Iraq’s inability to halt attacks by Iran-aligned groups operating from its soil.
What does Iraq say about the attacks?
Iraq has categorically rejected the leverage of its territory to target Gulf states or Jordan, stating it is taking necessary measures “in accordance with the constitution and the law.” Baghdad has likewise offered “full readiness” to receive any information or evidence regarding the attacks to address them “responsibly and swiftly.”
