# Iraq-Saudi Arabia security and energy cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iraq-saudi-arabia-security-and-energy-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-08-23T22:35:10.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Diplomatic and security discussions between Iraq and Saudi Arabia have intensified following meetings in Amman between Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. These talks addressed regional security, energy supply routes, and potential projects such as the Basra–Aqaba Oil Pipeline. Hussein also engaged in trilateral discussions with Egypt and Jordan to examine electricity interconnection and the activation of a cooperation mechanism to oversee economic and energy initiatives.

A high-level Iraqi security delegation, led by Lieutenant General Abdul Amir al-Shammari and including heads of intelligence, air defense, and counter-terrorism agencies, arrived in Riyadh to meet with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. The talks focused on enhancing military coordination and addressing drone attacks on Saudi energy facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh, which Saudi authorities alleged originated from Iraqi territory.

In an effort to mitigate regional tensions and a “crisis of trust” between major powers, Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji confirmed that Iraq has proposed the establishment of a unified security coordination council between Iran and Saudi Arabia. While no immediate responses to this proposal have been received, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered investigations into the drone incidents and reiterated Baghdad’s commitment to ensuring Iraqi territory is not used as a launchpad for attacks. Iraqi officials have also stated a strategic goal to bring all weapons under state control by the end of September, coinciding with the withdrawal of the International Coalition from Iraq.

## Claims

- Iraq has proposed the creation of a unified security coordination council between Iran and Saudi Arabia. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed drones launched from Iraqi territory targeting oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh on July 27, 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Saudi Arabia blamed Iran-affiliated militias for the drone attacks. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Iraqi and Saudi foreign ministers held a phone call to discuss regional developments and the need to contain escalation through peaceful means. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The decision to keep all weapons under state control is a purely Iraqi strategic choice. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The deadline for bringing all weapons under state control is set for the end of September, coinciding with the exit of the International Coalition. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Iraq proposes unified security council for Iran and Saudi Arabia

Iraq has proposed a unified security coordination council between Iran and Saudi Arabia to resolve a “crisis of trust” following recent drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-proposes-unified-security-council-for-iran-and-saudi-arabia

### 2026-08-12: Iraqi security delegation arrives in Riyadh for high-level talks

A high-level Iraqi security delegation is in Riyadh to discuss military cooperation and address recent drone attacks targeting Saudi energy facilities, aiming to bolster regional stability.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraqi-security-delegation-arrives-in-riyadh-for-high-level-talks

### 2026-08-05: Iraq's Fuad Hussein Plans Saudi Security Delegation and Energy Pipeline Talks

Iraq's Fuad Hussein met Saudi, Egyptian and Jordanian foreign ministers, arranging a security delegation to Saudi Arabia and advancing the Basra‑Aqaba pipeline and other energy projects.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraqs-fuad-hussein-plans-saudi-security-delegation-and-energy-pipeline-talks

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Cite as: Iraq-Saudi Arabia security and energy cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iraq-saudi-arabia-security-and-energy-cooperation