Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Iraqi ambassador to the Kingdom, Safia al-Suhail, over what it described as ongoing “blatant attacks and threats” targeting Saudi Arabia and Gulf states by drones launched from Iraqi territory.
During the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Ambassador Dr Saud al-Sati, handed the ambassador an official protest note. He stressed Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation and denunciation of attacks originating from Iraq against the Kingdom and other Gulf countries.
He underlined “the importance of Iraq acting responsibly in addressing these threats and attacks”, reaffirming the Kingdom’s firm rejection of any violation of state sovereignty or attempts to undermine regional security and stability. He added that Saudi Arabia would take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory.
The move comes amid a rise in cross-border attacks carried out by Iraqi armed factions aligned with Iran, targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries.
In late March 2026, six Arab states — including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan — issued a joint statement condemning the attacks, describing them as a “flagrant violation” of national sovereignty and international law.
The statement also held the Iraqi government responsible for controlling armed groups operating within its borders, while affirming the right of targeted states to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Media reports have indicated that messages have been sent from Riyadh to Baghdad signalling tighter measures on Iraqis seeking to enter the Kingdom, alongside a decline in official communication, attributed to what was described as the “wide influence of armed factions within state institutions”.
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