Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi reaffirms Baghdad’s commitment to sovereignty and good-neighbourly relations amid regional tensions and reports of cross-border attacks.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi has declared that Iraq will not permit its territory or airspace to serve as a launchpad for any aggression against neighbouring countries, according to statements reported by Iraqi media outlets.
The remarks, carried by multiple media sources, restate a consistent position held by the new government since al-Zaidi assumed office in May 2026. They come against a backdrop of heightened regional instability, including earlier reports of drone incidents targeting facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as broader tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Iraq Vows to Protect Airspace and Territory:
Al-Zaidi, who also serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, has repeatedly emphasised that Iraqi soil, skies and waters must not be exploited for hostile acts against “brotherly and friendly countries.” In recent emergency security meetings, he ordered the formation of joint committees to monitor and prevent any such violations, directed security agencies to enforce the law rigorously, and stressed the readiness of Iraq’s forces to thwart attempts to use the country as a transit or staging ground.
“We will not allow our lands or airspace to be used as a launchpad for any aggression against neighbouring countries,” the prime minister stated, underscoring Baghdad’s responsibility to uphold national sovereignty and international law while maintaining balanced relations with its neighbours.
The position builds on earlier interventions. Following claims that drones targeting Gulf states may have originated from or passed through Iraqi territory, al-Zaidi ordered investigations and affirmed there was “no evidence” at the time linking the attacks definitively to Iraq. He has also condemned any breaches of Iraqi airspace, including those allegedly used in strikes against Iran, and called on partners, including the United States, to respect bilateral agreements and prevent further violations.
Iraq Draws Red Line Against Regional Escalation:
Analysts note that the statements reflect Iraq’s delicate balancing act. The country borders Iran and several Gulf states and has long served as an arena for competing regional and international influences. Armed groups operating outside full state control have complicated Baghdad’s efforts to assert a monopoly on the use of force. Al-Zaidi’s government has prioritised bringing all weapons under state authority and has warned that it “will not tolerate any individual or group seeking to threaten Iraq’s security or that of its brotherly neighbours.”
The prime minister has paired these security directives with diplomatic outreach. He has held discussions with leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, stressing the need for balanced ties and regional de-escalation. Iraqi officials have also engaged Saudi and Emirati counterparts on joint investigations into the reported attacks.
Observers say the firm public stance aims to reassure neighbouring capitals, deter non-state actors, and shield Iraq from being drawn deeper into wider confrontations. It also signals to domestic audiences that the government intends to prioritise sovereignty and stability after years of proxy dynamics that have undermined state authority.
Iraq’s complex security landscape, the presence of powerful armed factions, and ongoing regional flashpoints continue to pose challenges. For now, al-Zaidi’s government is projecting a clear red line: Iraqi territory will not become a platform for attacks on its neighbours, and Baghdad intends to enforce that principle through coordinated security action and diplomatic engagement.