Iraq proposes joint security council for Iran-Saudi tensions

Iraq has proposed establishing a joint security council between Iran and Saudi Arabia in an effort to reduce tensions between the two regional powers, Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji said Sunday, identifying a lack of trust as a central obstacle between Tehran and Riyadh.

Baghdad seeks to bridge regional divide

Al-Araji said the Iraqi government had formally conveyed the idea to officials in both Iran and Saudi Arabia. Speaking to Iraq’s state broadcaster Iraqiya TV, he described the dispute between the two countries as fundamentally rooted in a “crisis of trust.”

No details were provided on how the proposed security council would operate, and neither Tehran nor Riyadh had immediately issued a public response to Baghdad’s initiative.

Iraq insists on state control of weapons

Al-Araji also addressed Iraq’s internal security debate, saying the government’s effort to place all weapons under state authority represents a strategic decision belonging solely to Iraq. He stressed that decisions involving war and peace must remain under the authority of the Iraqi state.

The Iraqi army announced on June 3 that a committee had been established to work toward bringing weapons under government control. The issue has remained a longstanding political and security challenge because of armed factions operating inside and outside the Popular Mobilization Forces.

Drone attacks raise regional concerns

Baghdad’s proposal comes amid renewed diplomatic activity over regional security. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan recently discussed developments in the region and emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation and settling disagreements through diplomatic channels.

Tensions increased after Saudi Arabia said on July 27 that its forces had intercepted and destroyed several drones launched from Iraqi territory. Riyadh said the drones were aimed at oil installations in the Eastern Province and the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

Riyadh points to Iran-linked militias

Saudi Arabia attributed the alleged attacks to “Iran-affiliated militias” and warned that it retained the right to respond. The accusations have placed additional pressure on Iraq, which has sought to prevent its territory from becoming a launchpad for attacks connected to wider regional rivalries.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi subsequently instructed the country’s security agencies to investigate information supplied by Saudi Arabia concerning the alleged drone launches. The inquiry highlights Baghdad’s effort to balance relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia while asserting control over Iraq’s security decisions.