Iraq investigates strikes launched from its soil against Gulf neighbors

Iraq possesses evidence showing that outside entities are exploiting its lands to stage assaults against nearby nations, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said in an interview broadcast by Al Jazeera.

Hussein confirmed that Baghdad has opened inquiries into strikes directed at Gulf countries from inside Iraq. He noted that the Iraqi government is actively pursuing diplomatic discussions with Saudi Arabia to settle mutual concerns. Riyadh has repeatedly pointed to Iran-backed militias based in Iraq as the culprits behind strikes targeting Saudi oil installations. In September, authorities in Baghdad formally acknowledged that drone strikes aimed at Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline were launched from Iraqi soil.

Addressing the presence of unregulated arms, Hussein stated that Baghdad is in talks with Iran-aligned paramilitary groups to place their arsenals under government authority. He maintained that disarming these factions requires negotiation rather than armed confrontation, adding that Iraqi officials remain in touch with Tehran regarding the matter.

Baghdad had originally set a late September deadline for armed organizations to relinquish their weaponry, coinciding with the projected conclusion of the US-led coalition's mission against ISIL. However, facing significant pushback, the Iraqi administration postponed that target date to June 2027, despite persistent American demands to see the disarmament carried out.

The foreign minister also touched upon Iraq's delicate position navigating relations with both Tehran and Washington. Hussein revealed that the United States formally asked Iraq to shut down all except two of its border transit points with Iran. He stated that while Baghdad values a cooperative partnership with Tehran, it firmly opposes any outside involvement in Iraq's domestic affairs.

On the economic front, Hussein disclosed that halts to crude shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz cost Iraq roughly $60 billion. Deliveries have since restarted following diplomatic arrangements worked out with both Washington and Tehran.

Looking ahead to regional stability following the eventual departure of the multinational coalition, Hussein said Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey have established a collaborative committee dedicated to confronting remaining ISIL elements operating in Syria.