The agreement, endorsed by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart, Thabet Al-Abbasi, is seen as a significant step in consolidating defense ties between the two nations. [Photo taken from Iraq’s News Agency]
Amid rising tensions in the region, Saudi Arabia and Iraq signed an agreement on Monday to boost military cooperation, marking a significant step in defence ties as both nations navigate regional instability and security concerns.
The agreement, endorsed by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart, Thabet Al-Abbasi, is seen as a significant step in consolidating defence ties as Iraq anticipates potential Israeli retaliation following recent attacks by Iran-backed militias on territories occupied by Israel in pre-1948 Palestine and Syria’s Golan Heights.
The high-level meeting in Riyadh also included Iraq’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Safia Al-Suhail, and marked a key moment in the evolving relationship between the two countries.Â
According to a statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Defence, the ministers discussed enhancing security coordination, training, and joint exercises between Iraqi and Saudi forces. This includes agreements to conduct joint military courses, organize exercises, and establish a mechanism for Iraqi soldiers to receive medical treatment in Saudi hospitals.
“Within the framework of regional cooperation, these discussions reflect the close historical relationship between the brotherly nations,” the Iraqi Ministry of Defence said in a statement. The talks, which covered recent regional security developments, centred on de-escalating current tensions and building a joint front for greater stability.
Ghani Ghazban, an Iraqi political and security analyst, told The New Arab that the agreement underscores the importance of Iraq’s diplomatic strategy to avoid deeper involvement in regional conflicts, especially amid escalating tensions involving Hezbollah, Israel, and Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.
“The relationship between Iraq and Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in geography, Arab identity, and Islamic heritage. This memorandum aims to bolster border security, improve training capabilities, and develop defence cooperation,” Ghazban explained.
Highlighting the volatile regional climate, Ghazban cautioned that current conflicts could potentially trigger wider hostilities, with possible retaliation cycles between Iran and Israel. “Iraq’s proactive move to strengthen relations with its neighbours, especially with Arab and Islamic states, is a prudent step in safeguarding its stability,” he noted.
Iraq has condemned Israel’s use of its airspace to launch a strike on Iran, submitting a protest letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, as announced by government spokesman Bassim Alawadi. The letter denounces what Iraq calls a “blatant violation” of its airspace and sovereignty in the 26 October attack on Iran. Alawadi added that Iraq’s foreign ministry will address this violation in talks with the United States, Israel’s close ally and primary arms supplier.
Iraq maintains a delicate balance with strong ties to Tehran and a strategic partnership with Washington, whose troops remain in Iraq as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition. While the Iraqi government seeks to avoid involvement in escalating regional conflicts, pro-Iran factions within Iraq have recently attacked US forces and claimed responsibility for drone strikes on Israel, adding further pressure on Baghdad’s efforts to remain neutral.
While specific details of the agreement have yet to be fully disclosed, analysts see the MoU as Iraq‘s measured approach to diplomacy and security collaboration amidst an increasingly polarised region.
