Sweeping strikes under the rug: Will Iraq face consequences for Saudi strikes? – analysis

Iraq faces scrutiny after an Iranian-backed militia launched a drone attack from its territory on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline on September 11, a critical infrastructure that helps Saudi Arabia bypass the Strait of Hormuz. While Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi embarks on a European tour to Germany and France, questions arise regarding accountability for these attacks. Iraq has replaced a military commander and initiated an investigation, with its Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi condemning the attacks and stating, "Iraq refuses the use of Iraqi soil or its airspace to threaten the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's security or that of any neighboring countries." A joint investigation with Iran is underway, though the specific militia responsible remains unclear, with Kataib Hezbollah often implicated in such high-profile attacks. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the influence of Iranian-backed groups within Iraq and their impact on regional stability.