Iraq seeks to resolve diplomatic differences with Saudi Arabia

The Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein. Photo: Iraqi Foreign Ministry Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said that the country is actively attempting to use frank discussions to tackle diplomatic and security issues with Saudi Arabia. During a recent interview with Al-Jazeera, Hussein indicated that Baghdad has proofs that both local and foreign armed groups have been using Iraqi territory to carry out cross-border assaults against neighboring Gulf States. Saudi Arabia has long accused Iran-aligned armed groups operating in Iraq of targeting its critical infrastructure. Baghdad acknowledged in September that the drones attacking Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline had come from Iraqi territory. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi reassured Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Iraq will not allow its territory to be used to attack neighboring countries. The Iraqi government is in discussions with groups associated with Iran to bring their weaponry under the state’s control. Hussein stressed that rather than using military action, Baghdad is trying to bring the firearms of armed groups under state control through diplomatic communications. Powerful groups such as Kataeb Hezbollah continue to oppose arms control frameworks, whereas Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq has consented to them. After regional warfare interruptions, oil exports through the vital Strait of Hormuz were suspended, costing Iraq an estimated $60 billion in revenue. To stabilize the country’s oil-dependent economy, strengthening connections with Gulf neighbors is considered crucial. Hussein emphasized that Baghdad opposes any foreign interference in its internal affairs, notwithstanding the Iraqi leadership’s insistence that it desires a positive partnership with Tehran. Baghdad is trying to prevent itself from turning into a proxy war zone while preserving its crucial diplomatic and economic connections in the Middle East by openly proposing communication to Riyadh.