Persian Gulf Cooperation Council backs Saudi measures after strikes on Iraqi groups

Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, said on Wednesday, 29 July 2026 (7 Mordad 1405) that Saudi Arabia has the full support of member states in protecting its security and sovereignty. He described attacks by Iran-backed groups in Iraq as "a dangerous escalation, a flagrant violation of the Kingdom's sovereignty, and a direct threat to its security and stability."

The statements followed joint air strikes carried out by Saudi Arabia with the United States against those groups in Iraq early on Wednesday, which the Saudi defence ministry said were in line with the Kingdom's right to self-defence. Arab News reported that the groups had targeted Saudi oil infrastructure with explosive drones over the preceding two days. Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt and the Muslim World League issued similar statements.

The US Embassy in Baghdad also advised US citizens in Iraq to maintain the highest level of vigilance, adding that travel disruptions or airspace closures may occur without prior notice.