Iraq tests new security formula for Saudi-Iran rivalry

Iraq has proposed the establishment of a joint security council to address the Saudi-Iran rivalry, recognizing that while diplomatic contact between the two nations is valuable, trust remains an issue. National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji has identified this crisis of trust as the central problem, explaining that restoring diplomatic relations and maintaining communication channels is no longer sufficient to prevent security crises from spilling across borders.

Iraq sits at the center of this contradiction, with strong ties to Iran but also having recently rebuilt relations with Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region. This has created a situation where Baghdad must navigate the potential for conflict that occurs on its territory and the risk of retaliatory strikes within Iraq. The proposal calls for a security body to provide mechanisms such as exchanging intelligence on cross-border threats, establishing direct channels for verifying responsibility for attacks, and developing procedures to prevent escalation following security incidents.

However, the proposal's success will depend on the willingness of both Saudi Arabia and Iran to provide transparency and restrain armed organizations aligned with their respective strategies.