**Title: Saudi Intelligence Chief Meets Iraqi PM Amid Tensions, Extends Riyadh Visit Invitation**
**Date: August 8, 2026**
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with Saudi Arabian Intelligence Chief Khalid bin Ali Al Humaidan in Baghdad on Friday. This meeting comes in the wake of heightened tensions between Iraq and Saudi Arabia following joint US-Saudi military strikes that occurred on July 29, which resulted in the deaths of 20 fighters from Iraqi armed groups, including five Iranians.
The meeting was convened as part of Iraq's Ministerial Council for National Security, which al-Zaidi chaired. The discussions primarily focused on improving coordination between Baghdad and Riyadh on security matters, particularly in light of the recent cross-border strikes that have strained relations between the two nations.
During the meeting, Al Humaidan extended a renewed invitation for Prime Minister al-Zaidi to visit Riyadh. This invitation follows al-Zaidi's earlier cancellation of a planned trip to Saudi Arabia, which he called off in protest against the military operation that had taken place in late July. The Saudi government justified the strikes as a response to drone attacks targeting its oil infrastructure, which it attributed to pro-Iranian Iraqi armed groups.
In a statement from al-Zaidi’s office, the Prime Minister reiterated Iraq's commitment to ensuring that its territory would not serve as a base for attacks against any other country. He emphasized Iraq's determination to safeguard its sovereignty amid ongoing regional tensions.
The diplomatic landscape between Iraq and Saudi Arabia has been particularly fraught in recent weeks. Following the July strikes, Iraq's National Security Council rejected Saudi Arabia's justification for the operation, labeling it a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. In response to the escalating situation, Iraqi authorities have increased security measures across the country and along its borders to prevent possible retaliatory actions.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-aligned armed groups, had previously vowed to retaliate against the US-Saudi strikes. However, on the same day as the meeting between al-Zaidi and Al Humaidan, the group announced a postponement of its planned retaliation. This decision was attributed to lobbying efforts from Hadi al-Amiri, a prominent pro-Iran figure in Iraq, along with pressure from other unnamed political entities. The group did not disclose the specific targets they had intended to strike.
Prime Minister al-Zaidi, who assumed office earlier this year with support from Washington, has made it a priority to bring armed groups under state control. He has set a deadline of September 30 for these groups to disarm, a move that has faced resistance from various powerful factions within Iraq.
Iraq has historically navigated a complex relationship with both the United States and Iran, often finding itself caught in the middle of their rivalry. The ongoing tensions and military actions have transformed the country into a proxy battleground, complicating its efforts to maintain stability and sovereignty.
As the situation continues to evolve, the outcomes of the recent diplomatic talks between Iraq and Saudi Arabia could play a crucial role in shaping the future of their bilateral relations and regional security dynamics.