Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Iraq Denies US‑Saudi Strikes, Rejects Trump’s Coordination Claim
The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes in Iraq against groups that support Iran.
They say the attacks were to stop drones that hit Saudi oil sites.
The Iraqi government says it had no idea about the strikes and did not approve them.
President Trump said Iraq had helped plan the attacks, but Iraq denied this.
Because of the strikes, the Iraqi prime minister postponed a trip to Saudi Arabia, and the situation has made the two countries more tense.
US and Saudi forces struck Iran‑backed Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq, killing at least 18–20 militants.
Iraq’s government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani, denied any prior knowledge or approval of the strikes.
President Donald Trump claimed the operation was coordinated with Baghdad, a claim Iraq directly refuted.
Saudi Arabia alleges drone attacks from Iraqi territory targeted its oil infrastructure and capital, but Iraq has not provided evidence.
The strikes postponed the Iraqi prime minister’s planned visit to Riyadh and heightened tensions between Iraq, the US, and Saudi Arabia.
- Who
- Iraqi government, US Central Command, Saudi forces, Popular Mobilisation Forces
- What
- US‑Saudi airstrikes on Iran‑backed groups in Iraq
- When
- Wednesday (recent)
- Where
- Iraq, across seven provinces
- Why
- US and Saudi claim to target groups linked to drone attacks on Saudi
- Country of strike
- Iraq
- Number of casualties
- At least 18–20 PMF members
- Countries involved
- United States, Saudi Arabia, Iraq
- Targeted groups
- Popular Mobilisation Forces (Iran‑backed)
- Date of strikes
- Wednesday (exact date not specified)
- Striking forces
- US Central Command and Saudi forces
Sources
Iraq Denies Approving Deadly US-Saudi Strikes on Its Territory
'No approval, no prior knowledge': Iraq rejects coordination claim after US-Saudi bombing
Iraq denies approving US-Saudi strikes, disputes Trump claim after 20 PMF fighters killed