Iran condemns US, Saudi strikes in Iraq, warns of regional escalation

Iran has strongly condemned airstrikes carried out by the United States and Saudi Arabia on targets in Iraq, describing the attacks as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and warning they could further escalate tensions across the Middle East.

In a statement issued on July 29, Iran's Foreign Ministry denounced in the "strongest possible terms" the strikes on several locations in Iraq. The ministry said the attacks violated Iraq's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, breached Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, and contravened fundamental principles of international law, Caliber.Az reports.

The statement also accused Washington and Riyadh of pursuing policies that would intensify conflict in West Asia, stating that the strikes served the strategic interests of the United States and Israel by fueling regional instability.

Iran expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks and held the United States and Saudi Arabia responsible for what it described as the "dangerous consequences" of the military operation, characterising the strikes as "criminal, inhumane and provocative."

Earlier, Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said the Kingdom's armed forces, acting in coordination with the US Central Command (CENTCOM), had conducted precision strikes against targets linked to armed groups operating in Iraq. According to the Saudi statement, the targeted groups had been involved in attacks on the Kingdom's oil infrastructure.

The Iraqi Shia militia Al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces) said in a statement on July 29 that the death toll among its fighters had risen to 20, while at least 32 others were wounded in the strikes.

By Sabina Mammadli