Baghdad rejects attacks on Gulf states, vows to block strikes from its soil

2026-03-26 - 20:20

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry issued a sharp condemnation on Thursday against any attacks directed at Gulf countries or Jordan, asserting that the stability of Arab states is fundamentally tied to its own national security. In a formal statement, Baghdad made clear its categorical rejection of aggression against its neighbors, emphasizing that regional peace serves the interests of all peoples in the area. The government reaffirmed its commitment to a balanced foreign policy rooted in cooperation and mutual respect, pledging to work with regional and international partners to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence. Security coordination and territorial integrity The Iraqi government stated it is actively taking necessary measures to address security challenges within its borders in accordance with the constitution. Baghdad expressed its full readiness to receive and act upon any intelligence regarding attacks launched from Iraqi territory, promising swift and responsible action. The statement underscored Iraq’s firm position against allowing its soil to be used as a launchpad for strikes on other nations, vowing to safeguard its sovereignty and strengthen ties with neighboring countries. Regional escalation tests fragile stability The announcement followed a joint condemnation from Gulf states and Jordan on Wednesday, which denounced Iranian attacks as a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty and international law. Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan collectively affirmed their right to self-defense after repeated strikes attributed to Tehran. Since the US-Israel joint offensive against Iran began on February 28, the region has witnessed sustained hostilities, including Iranian retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and nations hosting US military assets. The conflict has also spurred dozens of attacks by Iraqi factions against American sites within Iraq, further complicating efforts to contain the violence. Türkiye watches regional spillover closely Ankara has maintained close attention to the widening conflict, particularly as instability threatens to spill across its southeastern borders. Türkiye continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions and has consistently warned against the use of Iraqi territory for cross-border military operations, aligning with Baghdad’s stated position while pursuing its own security interests in the region.