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๐Ÿ‡ถ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Qatar /Conflict & Security

Saudi intelligence chief meets Iraqi PM, renews Riyadh visit invitation

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Saudi intelligence chief Khalid bin Ali Al Humaidan met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Baghdad to mend strained ties.
  • The meeting followed deadly July 29 US-Saudi strikes on Iraq, which killed 20 fighters and were blamed on pro-Iranian groups.
  • Al-Humaidan invited al-Zaidi to visit Riyadh, while Iraq reiterated its commitment to preventing its soil from being used for attacks.

Saudi intelligence chief Khalid bin Ali Al Humaidan met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Baghdad on Friday, seeking to repair diplomatic relations strained by recent US-Saudi airstrikes. Al-Humaidan extended an invitation for al-Zaidi to visit Riyadh, a trip previously canceled by the Iraqi leader in protest of the July 29 strikes that killed 20 fighters from Iraqi armed groups, including five Iranians.

Each President is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House, and cannot fundamentally reshape it without congressional approval.

โ€” U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia CircuitThe court's ruling on the White House ballroom project.

The discussions focused on enhancing security coordination between Baghdad and Riyadh amidst simmering regional tensions. Prime Minister al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq's pledge not to allow its territory to be used as a base for attacks on other nations, emphasizing Baghdad's determination to protect its sovereignty. The meeting occurred after a tense period, with Saudi Arabia justifying the strikes as retaliation for drone attacks on its oil infrastructure, which it attributed to the same pro-Iranian Iraqi groups.

Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help.

โ€” U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia CircuitThe court's reasoning for blocking the ballroom construction.

Iraq's National Security Council rejected Saudi Arabia's claims, deeming the operation a violation of national sovereignty. In response, Iraqi authorities increased security measures nationwide and along its borders. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an alliance of Iran-aligned armed groups, had threatened retaliation but announced a postponement, reportedly due to lobbying by influential pro-Iran figure Hadi al-Amiri and pressure from other political figures.

This unjust decision must be overturned by the Supreme Court in its entirety.

โ€” Donald TrumpTrump's reaction to the appeals court decision.

Al-Zaidi, who assumed office earlier this year with U.S. backing, has committed to bringing armed groups under state control, setting a September 30 deadline for disarmament. This initiative faces opposition from powerful factions within Iraq, a country that has long navigated a delicate balance between its relationships with the United States and Iran, often finding itself a proxy battleground for their rivalry.

A great day for our country and for the American peopleโ€™s right to voice their opinions about the historic places they cherish, including the White House.

โ€” Brent LeggsNational Trust President Brent Leggs' statement on the ruling.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.