Iraq’s PM says invited to Riyadh after US-Saudi strikes

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has been invited to Riyadh following US-Saudi strikes in Iraq, his office announced on Friday. The strikes, which occurred on July 29, killed 20 militants, including five Iranians. Zaidi was originally scheduled to visit Riyadh in late July, but the trip was canceled due to the attacks. At a meeting with Saudi intelligence chief Khalid bin Ali al-Humaidan, Zaidi received a renewed invitation from the Saudi leadership to visit Riyadh.

The US-Saudi strikes followed Iran-backed groups in Iraq intercepting drones targeting oil facilities, prompting US pressure on Baghdad to disarm these pro-Iranian groups. Zaidi, who assumed power this year with Washington's endorsement, pledged to ensure these groups relinquish their weapons, but has encountered resistance from powerful factions.

The Iraqi authorities have increased security measures along borders and across the country to prevent retaliation for the US-Saudi strikes. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an alliance of Tehran-backed groups, had planned to respond to the strikes but has postponed its response, following advice from Badr organization leader Hadi al-Ameri.

Zaidi's government has given these groups until September 30 to disarm, with the US and Iran being Iraq's primary allies despite their longstanding enmity.