BAGHDAD July 1, 2026 — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi stated on Monday that there is “no evidence” recent attacks targeting Gulf nations originated from Iraqi territory. He reaffirmed that Baghdad will not permit its land to be used to threaten neighboring countries.
The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions stemming from the ongoing 2026 conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran-aligned armed groups operating from Iraqi soil have faced accusations of launching drones and missiles at targets in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Prime Minister al-Zaidi emphasized Iraq’s commitment to regional stability and sovereignty. He noted that Iraqi authorities had conducted investigations and found no proof linking the attacks to launches from within Iraq. Baghdad has signaled openness to cooperation with Gulf neighbors and stressed that it will not allow any party to use its territory as a launchpad for aggression.
Iraq has been working to strengthen ties with Gulf Arab states, which represent important economic and diplomatic partners. The new government under al-Zaidi, formed after elections, has prioritized asserting state control over armed factions, many of which are loosely affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).
GCC officials have pushed back against Iraq’s denial. They maintain that evidence, including coordinates and imagery, points to launches originating from Iraqi territory. Gulf states have expressed frustration over what they describe as Iran-backed militias using Iraq as a base for cross-border operations during the regional conflict.
These attacks have strained Iraq’s relations with its Gulf neighbors and complicated Baghdad’s balancing act between Washington, Tehran, and regional Arab powers.
The issue highlights long-standing challenges for Iraq’s central government in reigning in powerful, Iran-aligned militias that operate with varying degrees of autonomy. During the 2026 conflict, these groups have conducted operations against perceived adversaries, raising fears that Iraq could be drawn deeper into regional escalation.
Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s government has set deadlines for armed factions to hand over weapons to the state and has engaged in talks with the United States on security cooperation and militia disarmament.
Iraq has also expressed readiness to receive and review any concrete evidence provided by Gulf states regarding the attacks.
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