Saudi Arabia’s efforts to foster regional security and boost closer cooperation with neighboring countries gained fresh momentum as Iraq emphasized its dedication to preventing its territory and airspace from being used to threaten the Kingdom or other Gulf states.
A Shared Commitment to Stability
The pledge, made during a high-level meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, highlights a shared commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and strengthening neighborly relations and collective stability across the region.
Iraq’s remarks followed a mounting regional tension that shined a spotlight on the significance of coordinated security measures among neighboring states. Since the United States launched Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, Iran-backed armed groups operating in Iraq have reportedly launched drone strikes against Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan as well as Syria, in a retaliatory move to their ally, Iran.
Saudi Arabia Backs a Stable Iraq
Baghdad’s latest assurance highlights its determination to prevent Iraqi territory or airspace from being used to threaten neighboring countries and to reinforce confidence in regional security cooperation.
During the meeting, Prince Faisal and Hussein also underscored the importance of supporting Iraq’s security, stability and national institutions, reaffirming that that a secure and stable Iraq remains a cornerstone of the overall security and peace of the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
A New Reform Agenda
The fresh diplomatic engagement also came as part of a new framework of political and institutional reform in Iraq. Under Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, the government has launched a nationwide anti-corruption campaign that has arrested dozens of officials and seized millions of dollars in illicit assets.
Al-Zaidi has also vowed to establish a state monopoly over weapons in a push to strengthen public institutions and reinforce state authority.
For Riyadh, these bold moves complement broader regional efforts to support stability and strengthen governance.
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