Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman welcomed the Prime Minister of Iraq, Ali al-Zaidi, in Riyadh, heralding a new chapter in Saudi-Iraqi relations.
Al-Zaidi’s visit to the Kingdom marks the onset of a Gulf tour focused on bolstering economic and security cooperation amid heightened regional tensions sparked by the US-Iran conflict. The high-level talks reflect a joint determination to convert shared geopolitical interests into a reliable, long-term partnership.
Security Tops Discussions
Driving the News: Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, where he was received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Big Picture: According to a statement released by al-Zaidi’s media office and carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), both leaders discussed recent regional developments, emphasizing the importance of coordinating efforts to enhance security and stability across the region.
Why It Matters: Discussions focused on strengthening Saudi-Iraqi security cooperation to address regional security threats. According to the Iraqi statement, the Saudi Crown Prince reiterated the Kingdom’s support for Iraq’s efforts to foster dialogue and promote regional stability.
Iraqi Rejection of Terrorist Attacks
State of Play: During the meeting, al-Zaidi strongly condemned the targeting of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, as well as any harm inflicted on civilians and civilian facilities during conflicts, warning that such actions threaten regional security and stability.
The Backstory: In recent weeks, the Iranian-backed Houthi militia escalated attacks against the Kingdom, ending four years of relative calm. The militia has been targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure across the Kingdom with drones and ballistic missiles. Since July 2026, the terrorist militia has attacked Riyadh, Taif, Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran. It also attempted to target the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Most recently, the Houthis have focused their attacks on Saudi Arabia’s airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd Airport in Dammam, as well as Abha, Jazan, and Najran airports, killing dozens of civilians and injuring hundreds.
Iraq’s Unequivocal Stance
The Firm Stand: The Iraqi Prime Minister reaffirmed Baghdad’s firm position that rejects the use of Iraq’s territory as a launchpad for any attacks or actions that compromise the security of the Kingdom or other neighboring countries. He also reiterated Iraq’s commitment to the principles of good neighborliness and mutual respect for national sovereignty.
Flashback: On July 27 and July 28, drone attacks targeted Saudi oil facilities in the Eastern and Riyadh regions, which the Saudi Defense Ministry traced back to Iranian-backed militias based in Iraq. In response, the Saudi Armed Forces, in coordination with the US Central Command (CENTCOM), conducted precision strikes against specific targets in Iraq from which these attacks originated on July 29.
Close Saudi-Iraqi Coordination
Between the Lines: Following attacks launched by Iraq-based militias against the Kingdom, Riyadh and Baghdad have exchanged visits to coordinate efforts on border security to thwart any attempt to infiltrate Saudi territory.
On August 27, a high-level Saudi security and military delegation arrived in Baghdad to discuss ways to bolster border security measures and intensify intelligence sharing.
This visit was preceded by a high-level Iraqi security delegation arriving in Riyadh on August 13, which included discussions with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. On August 7, Saudi Head of General Intelligence Khalid al-Humaidan met with al-Zaidi in Baghdad to extend a renewed invitation for the Prime Minister to visit the Kingdom after the postponement of his July visit.
Saudi Arabia: The Indispensable Strategic Partner
The Context: Ahead of his visit to the Kingdom, al-Zaidi stressed Iraq’s keenness to deepen its long-term ties with Saudi Arabia. In an opinion piece in Asharq Al-Awsat, al-Zaidi highlighted the strategic importance of Saudi-Iraqi relations, noting that Riyadh and Baghdad have made notable progress in rebuilding mutual trust and opening channels for cooperation to elevate their ties.
What He Said: “The security of Iraq and the stability of Saudi Arabia are inseparable; they constitute integral components of a larger framework for Gulf and regional stability.” – Ali al-Zaidi, Iraq’s Prime Minister.
The Takeaway: Al-Zaidi’s visit to Saudi Arabia underscores Iraq’s commitment to deepening its ties with the Kingdom and ensuring its territory is not used to threaten its neighbors, laying the groundwork for a sustainable partnership based on mutual interests and sovereign respect.
