Iraq’s Zaidi, Saudi crown prince discuss security as Houthi attacks escalate

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and pledged to prevent Iraqi territory from being used to target the kingdom during talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday, as Baghdad seeks to ease tensions over attacks by Iran-backed militias.

What happened: Zaidi visited Riyadh for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed on regional developments and efforts to strengthen security and stability, the Iraqi premier’s office said.

During the meeting, Zaidi condemned the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and said Iraqi territory would not be used to target the kingdom. He reiterated “Iraq’s firm position against allowing its territory to be used as a launching point for any attacks or activities that threaten the security of Saudi Arabia or other countries in the region.”

The Iran-backed Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent days amid the war in Yemen, targeting Riyadh's airport and Aramco facilities. Iran-backed militias in Iraq have also targeted the kingdom since the US-Israel-Iran war began in February.