Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, have discussed preparations for an upcoming visit by an Iraqi security delegation to Saudi Arabia, one week after joint US-Saudi air strikes targeted Iran-aligned groups in Iraq.
Wednesday’s talks took place on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting on Jerusalem in the Jordanian capital, Amman, according to a statement from Iraq's Foreign Ministry carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The ministers reviewed arrangements for the planned security delegation's visit and discussed reciprocal visits at various levels aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and coordination.
The meeting came a week after US and Saudi forces carried out overnight precision strikes against targets linked to Iran-aligned groups in Iraq. US Central Command said the operation targeted sites connected to attacks on US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia said it would take further military action if Iran-backed groups launched additional attacks.
The Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU), a predominantly Iran-backed coalition of armed groups, said the strikes hit several of its headquarters, killing at least 20 members, wounding 32 others and causing extensive damage.
Regional security talks
On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister and Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Ali al-Zaidi stressed the need to prevent “any violation or threat” originating from Iraqi territory against neighbouring countries, directing authorities to establish deterrent measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Hussein also outlined the Iraqi government's policy aimed at placing all weapons under state control, while Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi support for Iraq's new government and its efforts to enhance the country's security and preserve regional stability.
The Iraqi government has sought to consolidate all weapons under state control and strengthen the authority of the country's security institutions as part of broader efforts to reinforce internal stability and shield Iraq from the repercussions of regional tensions.
The two foreign ministers also discussed regional security developments and their impact on oil export routes and energy supplies, as well as regional efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic.
On June 18, Washington and Tehran signed a framework agreement and launched negotiations towards a final deal before the talks stalled over disagreements on guarantees for security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Last month, tensions escalated again as the US carried out strikes inside Iran, while Tehran responded by targeting what it described as US military facilities and equipment in several Arab countries, particularly Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
