Iraq Confirms External Attacks Launched from its Territory, Vows Dialogue

Iraq possesses evidence indicating that external entities have been utilizing its territory to launch attacks against neighboring nations, as revealed by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday. Baghdad is actively investigating attacks originating from Iraqi soil and targeting Gulf states, while simultaneously pursuing dialogue to resolve existing disagreements with Saudi Arabia, Hussein stated. Saudi Arabia has previously accused Iran-aligned groups operating within Iraq of orchestrating attacks on its oil infrastructure. In September, Baghdad acknowledged that drone attacks on the kingdom’s East-West pipeline had indeed originated from Iraqi territory.

Hussein further informed Al Jazeera that Baghdad is engaged in negotiations with Iran-aligned armed factions, aiming to bring their weaponry under state control through a process that prioritizes dialogue over force. He also confirmed ongoing communication with Tehran concerning the issue of weapons held by Iraqi factions. Additionally, Hussein mentioned that Washington has formally requested the closure of all but two border crossings with Iran. While Iraq welcomes friendship and an alliance with Tehran, it firmly rejects any interference in its internal affairs, he emphasized.

Regarding economic matters, Hussein noted that Iraq has incurred losses of approximately $60 billion due to the suspension of oil exports via the Strait of Hormuz. However, he confirmed that shipments have since resumed following agreements reached with Washington and Tehran. On the subject of combating ISIL (ISIS), Hussein reported that Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Turkiye have established a joint committee dedicated to fighting the group's presence in Syria. The full interview is scheduled to be broadcast at 18:00 GMT on Sunday on Al Jazeera.