Saudi Arabia’s defence minister says Iraq remains a “cherished neighbour” after last month’s US-Saudi strikes that targeted sites in Iraq. Khalid bin Salman makes the statement in remarks posted on X following talks in Riyadh with a senior Iraqi army official.
The Riyadh visit is described as the first announced by an Iraqi security official to Saudi Arabia since Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s trip was cancelled after strikes on 29 July. Iraqi officials linked to Hashed al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, say the strikes killed militants, including fighters from Iran. Saudi Arabia says its forces intercepted drones aimed at oil facilities and attributes the attacks to Iran-backed groups in Iraq.
Across the reporting, the focus is on the diplomatic message of continued Saudi support alongside the contested security narrative. Khalid bin Salman says he discusses Saudi-Iraqi military and defence relations, and emphasizes coordination between the two countries to protect regional security and stability. Other outlets largely reiterate the timing of the visit and the cancellation of the earlier Iraqi trip, with similar references to the July 29 strikes and their differing claims of responsibility and impact.
