Saudi defence minister calls Iraq 'cherished neighbour' after strikes

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi defence minister expressed his admiration for Iraq during recent talks with a top Iraqi army official, despite the devastating US-Saudi strikes on Iraqi soil last month. This was the first official visit to Saudi Arabia by an Iraqi security figure since the cancelled Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's trip following the July 29 incidents.

The Hashed Al Shaabi, an Iraqi alliance known to include pro-Iranian groups, reported that the US-Saudi strikes resulted in the deaths of 20 militants, including five Iranians. Despite this, Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi minister, emphasized the enduring bond between the two nations, stating, "Iraq will remain a cherished neighbour, we share bonds of brotherhood, solidarity, and mutual support with its government and its brotherly people."

During their meeting, the Saudi minister and the Iraqi representative discussed military and defense sector relations, as well as the broader Middle East situation, stressing the importance of ongoing cooperation to safeguard mutual interests and regional stability. Despite threats of retaliation from Iran-backed groups, the Iraqi leader postponed the response, highlighting the complexities of Iraq's precarious position between the US and Iran.