Iraq proposes joint security council between Saudi Arabia and Iran

Key facts

• Iraq proposed a joint security council between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
• The proposal was presented to both Tehran and Riyadh by Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji.
• A "crisis of trust" was identified as the primary obstacle between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
• Iraq is also pursuing efforts to place all weapons under state control.
• An Israeli drone strike in Gaza killed two displaced Palestinians.
• Oman's Foreign Minister is expected to visit Tehran on Tuesday.

Iraq has put forward a proposal for a joint security coordination council involving Iran and Saudi Arabia, as Baghdad seeks to mediate between the two regional rivals and bolster its own security environment. Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji announced that the plan has been presented to both Tehran and Riyadh, highlighting a "crisis of trust" as the fundamental issue hindering relations.

The initiative comes amid heightened regional tensions. The proposal aims to de-escalate regional tensions and enhance Iraq's security. Iraq is also intensifying efforts to consolidate state control over all weaponry, with al-Araji emphasizing that this is a strategic Iraqi decision and that the authority for war and peace rests exclusively with the Iraqi state.

Separately, an Israeli drone strike in central Gaza killed two displaced Palestinians. Oman's Foreign Minister is expected to visit Tehran on Tuesday amid ongoing talks between Iran and Muscat over the Strait of Hormuz. Hossein Taeb, head of Iran's Basij paramilitary unit, remarked that Tehran had not asked for a ceasefire, instead the US was "forced" to call for negotiations. Israeli troops also raided southern Syria’s Quneitra province and detained a shepherd. Hamas stated that Israel is fabricating a pretext to intensify attacks on Gaza.