Planned Riyadh talks delayed as reports link airstrikes to attacks on petroleum facilities
BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has postponed his planned official visit to Saudi Arabia following reported US and Saudi airstrikes that allegedly killed at least 20 Iraqi fighters, according to multiple media reports.
Al-Zaidi had been scheduled to travel to Riyadh on Thursday for talks expected to focus on bilateral cooperation, security coordination and the signing of several memoranda of understanding.
However, the visit was delayed after reports emerged that US and Saudi forces carried out strikes in Iraq early Wednesday. The reported attacks were said to be in response to strikes launched from Iraqi territory a day earlier that allegedly targeted petroleum facilities.
Neither Iraqi government officials nor US and Saudi authorities immediately announced additional details regarding the postponement or the reported military operation.
Reports cite rising regional tensions
According to the reports, the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Iraqi fighters. The casualty figures and details of the operation have not been independently verified.
The reported strikes followed allegations that attacks originating from Iraqi territory had targeted petroleum infrastructure, prompting what was described as a retaliatory response.
Officials had expected the prime minister’s visit to strengthen political and economic ties between Baghdad and Riyadh through new cooperation agreements.
Saudi role viewed as significant development
Analysts cited in regional reports said Saudi Arabia’s reported direct participation alongside the United States, if confirmed, would represent a notable escalation in regional security dynamics.
The reported involvement has been interpreted by some observers as a sign of Riyadh’s increasingly assertive approach toward Iran-backed armed factions operating in Iraq. However, Saudi Arabia has not publicly confirmed its role in the reported strikes.
The postponement of the Iraqi prime minister’s visit comes at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East, where recent military exchanges have raised concerns about further regional escalation. Officials from the countries involved are expected to provide additional information as the situation develops.
🚨🇮🇶🇸🇦 Iraq's PM has postponed his visit to Saudi Arabia, following U.S.-Saudi attacks that killed 20.
Ali al-Zaidi was expected in Riyadh tomorrow for an official visit to sign memoranda of understanding and discuss security coordination.
But U.S.-Saudi attacks killed at least… pic.twitter.com/jzxzQNGhEJ
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 29, 2026
