Iran-aligned militias again put Iraq-Saudi ties at risk

The national flags of Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Photo: Gulf Leaders Circle Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Iraq has begun an urgent investigation after Saudi Arabia claimed that drones fired from Iraqi territory damaged its critical East-West oil pipeline, increasing pressure on Baghdad to rein in Iran-aligned armed groups whose operations threaten Iraq’s improved relations with Gulf governments. Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi directed security forces to find those guilty and take legal action against anybody involved after Baghdad’s condemnation of the assaults and guaranteed that Iraqi territory and airspace would not be used to target neighboring nations. Saudi Arabia claimed three drones fired from Iraq struck portions of the pipeline in Riyadh and Madinah on Thursday, inflicting casualties and damage and requiring a precautionary stoppage. Riyadh said that it has chosen not to respond at this time in response to Al-Zaidi’s plea, allowing Baghdad to take action against those involved. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia said that it is entitled to take actions to protect its territory and infrastructure. The episode is especially problematic for Iraq since Iran-aligned militias have repeatedly thwarted Baghdad’s efforts to keep the nation out of regional wars while strengthening political and economic connections with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Baghdad has not officially recognized any Iraqi organization as responsible for the new assault, and the administration says its investigation will reveal who is behind it. Iraqi officials have already stepped up their reaction. Iraq ordered the closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran as a precaution, while security personnel started a larger operation to apprehend people suspected of participation, according to two sources. The assault also has broader energy ramifications. Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline transports petroleum from the kingdom’s eastern oil-producing area to the Red Sea, offering an alternate export route that avoids the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been severely hampered due to the war with Iran. It comes after another round of strikes by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen against Saudi cities and oil facilities, heightening the possibility that Iran’s regional allies would escalate the battle and jeopardize crucial Gulf energy lines. The recent event in Baghdad emphasizes the importance of Al-Zaidi’s vow to put weaponry under governmental control. The government said that it would not accept actions that jeopardized Iraq’s security or relations with neighboring nations and emphasized that Iraq should serve as a bridge for regional cooperation rather than a starting point for war.