High-Level Iraqi Security Officials Visit Riyadh to Defuse Drone Attack Tensions

A high-level Iraqi security delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for crucial talks aimed at easing tensions surrounding alleged drone attacks by Iran-backed militias, cross-border strikes, and broader security co-operation, according to Iraqi state media.

This diplomatic visit comes nearly two weeks after US and Saudi air strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 20 fighters from the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella organization of mainly Iran-backed militias. The strikes also claimed the lives of at least five Iranian military advisers and left dozens injured, as reported by the PMF and Iranian media, following a series of drone attacks on Saudi territory that the Saudi government alleged originated from Iraq.

Ahead of the visit, a government statement revealed that the Iraqi delegation is headed by Lt Gen Abdul Amir Al Shammari, director of the commander-in-chief’s office. He is accompanied by Hamid Al Shatri, head of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, Lt Gen Muhanad Al Asadi, commander of air defence, and Lt Gen Zaid Hawshi, head of the counter-terrorism service.

“The delegation will discuss a number of security files of mutual interest with the Saudi side, including the drones file, as well as ways to enhance security co-ordination and co-operation between the two countries,” the official statement noted.

Tensions recently escalated after Saudi Arabia accused Iran-backed militias in Iraq of launching drone attacks toward energy infrastructure within the kingdom, prompting joint US-Saudi air strikes in response. Since the onset of the Iran war in late February, pro-Tehran armed factions have claimed drone attacks targeting US forces in Iraq and the wider region, including Saudi Arabia, as a show of solidarity with Iran, although they have explicitly denied carrying out attacks on Saudi energy plants.

The July 29 strikes drew sharp condemnation from the Iraqi government, resulting in the postponement of a planned visit by Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi to Riyadh, which had been scheduled for the following day. In an effort to contain the fallout and keep communication channels open, Saudi Arabia's intelligence chief, Khalid bin Ali Al Humaidan, visited Baghdad last week and renewed the Iraqi PM's invitation to visit Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly issued warnings that attacks launched from Iraqi soil will not be tolerated. Meanwhile, Iraqi officials have emphasized that they are actively working to prevent armed groups from dragging the country into a broader regional confrontation.

A government official speaking to The National explained that Thursday’s discussions will focus on establishing mechanisms to halt cross-border drone activity, improve air defence co-ordination, and expand intelligence sharing between the two neighboring countries. The inclusion of the intelligence chief and counter-terrorism chief in the Iraqi delegation underscores Baghdad's commitment to addressing both militia activity and broader security threats along the border.

The visit is also intended to restart the diplomatic process that was stalled when Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's visit was delayed. The Prime Minister is still expected to travel to Riyadh once security understandings are firmly in place, according to the official familiar with the planning.

With the US-led coalition preparing to scale back its presence in Iraq by September 30, both Baghdad and Riyadh share a strong interest in stabilizing the border and ensuring Iraqi territory does not become a launchpad for regional attacks. The outcome of this week’s meeting will likely dictate whether bilateral relations can move past the current crisis or if ongoing drone attacks and retaliatory strikes will continue to define them.