Iraqi Advisor Proposes Joint Security Council for Iran and Saudi Arabia

BAGHDAD: Iraq has proposed the formation of a joint security council between Iran and Saudi Arabia, aiming to bridge the "crisis of trust" that has long strained relations between the two regional rivals. Qasim al-Araji, the national security advisor to the Iraqi prime minister, revealed the proposal in an interview with Iraqiya TV, emphasizing that such a council is necessary given the persistent mistrust.

Al-Araji stated that Iraq has formally presented this initiative to both Tehran and Riyadh. However, details regarding the proposed mechanism remain scarce, and neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia has issued an immediate public response to the Iraqi proposal. The relationship between the two Middle Eastern powers has been characterized by significant fluctuations, marked by periods of diplomatic chill followed by cautious steps toward rapprochement, a dynamic that has been further complicated by recent regional conflicts.

Historically, Iran and Saudi Arabia have navigated a complex geopolitical landscape, marked by ideological differences and competition for regional influence. Their relationship saw a notable thaw before the current Israel-Hamas war, with high-level visits exchanged. However, the escalation of conflict in the region, including Iran's strikes on U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia, has led to renewed tensions. As the conflict subsides, the future trajectory of Iran-Saudi relations remains uncertain, making Iraq's mediation effort particularly significant.

In a separate statement, al-Araji also affirmed that the decision to place all weapons under state control is a purely strategic choice for Iraq. He stressed that matters of war and peace are exclusively within the purview of the Iraqi state, underscoring Baghdad's commitment to consolidating its authority over security matters.