Iraq, Iran discuss measures after attacks on Saudi Arabia

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein during a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran. Photo: Iraqi Foreign Ministry Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqhchi to discuss regional developments and the latest measures following the drone attack on Saudi Arabia. The two ministers discussed Iraqi decisions to close certain border crossings, as well as the attack targeting Saudi Arabia and the work of the joint investigation committee. According to a statement released by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Hussein and Araqchi emphasized that addressing the region’s crises, including the situation in Yemen, must be achieved through dialogue, negotiations, and de-escalation of tensions to preserve security and stability. The two sides discussed the upcoming meeting in Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz, which will include the eight neighboring countries, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Iraq, and Iran. The discussion comes after the Iraqi authorities announced on Saturday the closure of several border crossings as part of security measures and to investigate violations that occurred there. The development also comes a day after Baghdad confirmed that the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia originated from a location within the province of Maysan in southern Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered the formation of an investigative committee to look into the activities of Maysan Operations Command. Al-Zaidi also ordered the dismissal of the operations commander, the provincial police chief, and the directors of the security agencies, as well as their referral for investigation, following confirmation that the attacks on Saudi Arabia originated from the province. Baghdad also announced its agreement to Tehran’s request for a joint investigation into the discovery of drone launchers near the border with Iran. On Friday, Saudi Arabia announced that the East-West pipeline in Riyadh and Medina had been targeted by drones launched from Iraq, resulting in casualties and some damage. The Saudi Ministry of Energy subsequently shut down the pipeline as a precautionary measure. The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed that, at the request of the Iraqi prime minister, Saudi Arabia has chosen not to respond at this time. Instead, it will allow the Iraqi government to take necessary measures to prevent attacks originating from its territory. However, Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take all necessary actions to protect its sovereignty and security.