Iraq denies approving US-Saudi strikes on its territory

Iraq's government has denied any knowledge or approval of deadly US-Saudi airstrikes that targeted Iran-backed militants on Iraqi soil. Baghdad's spokesperson, Haider al-Aboudi, stated on state television that the government "did not have any knowledge" of the attacks and "did not approve any attacks on specific sites or groups in Iraq." This statement directly contradicts claims made by Washington that the strikes were coordinated with Iraqi authorities.

The airstrikes reportedly killed at least 20 militants, including Iranians, according to Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces). The US and Saudi Arabia have stated the strikes were a response to previous attacks targeting US forces and Saudi oil facilities. The incident highlights a potential rift between Baghdad and Washington regarding security operations within Iraq.

Mourners gathered in Baghdad on July 29, 2026, to carry the bodies of Hashed al-Shaabi members killed in the strikes. The denial from the Iraqi government raises questions about the extent of coordination and transparency in counter-terrorism operations within the country.

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The government did not have any knowledge” of the strikes and “did not approve any attacks on specific sites or groups in Iraq.