Key facts
- Saudi Arabia has warned of imminent, coordinated attacks by Iraqi armed groups and Yemen's Houthis, supervised by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- Intelligence indicates potential targets include civilian and economic infrastructure such as energy facilities, ports, and airports.
- Movements of drones and missiles suggest coordinated operations from both Iraq and Yemen.
- The warning follows joint Saudi and US strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq.
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met Saudi general intelligence chief Khalid al-Humaidan to discuss regional security.
- Iran-aligned Iraqi armed groups postponed a planned response to Saudi strikes.
Saudi Arabia has issued a warning of imminent, coordinated attacks by Iraqi armed groups and Yemen's Houthis, allegedly under the supervision of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Intelligence gathered by Saudi Arabia, the United States, and regional partners indicates that civilian and economic sites, including energy infrastructure, ports, and airports, could be targeted. Movements of drones and missiles have been detected, suggesting preparations for attacks from both Iraq and Yemen.
The warning comes amidst escalating regional tensions, including joint Saudi and US strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq following drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Iraqi militias vowed retaliation, though Hadi al-Amiri, head of the Badr Organisation, urged restraint. The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for recent attacks, including on Najran airport.
In parallel, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met Saudi general intelligence chief Khalid al-Humaidan to discuss regional security developments. Zaidi affirmed Iraq's commitment to preventing regional escalation and not allowing its territory to be used for attacks on other countries. Iran-aligned Iraqi armed groups postponed a planned response to the Saudi strikes following an appeal for restraint.