Iraq Rejects Claim US‑Saudi Strikes Were Coordinated with Baghdad

The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes in Iraq targeting Iran‑backed Shi’ite militias, killing at least 20 militants, including several Iranians. President Donald Trump told Fox News the attacks were conducted in coordination with the Iraqi government.

Iraqi government spokesperson Haider al‑Aboudi said Iraq had no prior knowledge of the operation and did not approve any attacks on its territory. Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi suspended a planned visit to Saudi Arabia following the strikes, and the Iraqi authorities rejected the claim of coordination, emphasizing that the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) were not consulted.

The dispute highlights ongoing tension between Washington’s pressure on Baghdad to curb Iran‑linked armed groups and Iraq’s insistence on sovereignty over its airspace.