Iraq’s FM says external parties using Iraqi soil to attack neighbours

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein says Baghdad has evidence that outside parties have used Iraqi territory to attack neighbouring countries. Iraq is investigating attacks on Gulf states and is seeking to address tensions with Saudi Arabia through dialogue, amid Saudi accusations that Iran-aligned groups in Iraq targeted its oil infrastructure.

Hussein said Baghdad is negotiating with Iran-aligned armed factions to bring their weapons under state control and is discussing the issue with Tehran. He said Washington had formally asked Iraq to close all but two crossings with Iran, and that Iraq had lost about $60bn after oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz were suspended; shipments have since resumed following understandings with Washington and Tehran. Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Türkiye have also formed a committee to combat ISIL in Syria.