Iraq denies approving US-Saudi strikes on its territory

Iraq’s government has denied giving permission for or receiving advance warning of joint American and Saudi military strikes conducted against Iranian-backed militias on Iraqi soil. A government spokesperson made the statement on Thursday evening, emphasizing that Baghdad was neither consulted nor informed beforehand about the operations carried out by Saudi Arabia and US Central Command targeting pro-Iranian militia groups operating within Iraq’s borders. The denial underscores growing tensions over foreign military operations in Iraqi territory without governmental approval, an issue that has long been contentious in Iraqi politics. Iraq has faced persistent pressure from both Washington and Tehran, with Iranian-aligned militia groups maintaining a significant presence in the country despite official government efforts to assert control over its military forces. The lack of prior coordination between US and Saudi forces with Iraqi authorities raises questions about the extent of Iraqi sovereignty and the government’s ability to regulate military operations within its own territory.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.