Official Statement ••••• The Ministerial Council for National Security held an emergency meeting today, Wednesday, chaired by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, to discuss the latest security developments and the attack carried out this morning by the United States and Saudi Arabian air forces, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of a number of innocent Iraqis. The Ministerial Council for National Security condemned and denounced the attack, noting that it occurred while the Iraqi government was actively engaging with the relevant parties to verify and address the concerns raised by both the Saudi and U.S. sides regarding the targeting of Saudi territory. The Ministerial Council for National Security decided to adopt a comprehensive security plan to strengthen control across the country, confront any violation of Iraq’s sovereignty, and prevent any source from using Iraqi territory to threaten neighboring states. The Ministerial Council for National Security directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take action in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations to document the incident and safeguard Iraq’s legitimate rights. The meeting reaffirmed the government’s firm position rejecting all acts of aggression, regardless of the party responsible or the justifications presented. It stressed that addressing and responding to such attacks is the exclusive responsibility of the Iraqi government and its constitutional state institutions. The Ministerial Council for National Security also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting stability in the region, contributing effectively to the preservation of international peace and security, and pursuing a foreign policy based on dialogue, cooperation, respect for international law, and the principles of good neighborliness. It emphasized the use of diplomatic means to resolve disputes as part of a strategic approach aimed at keeping Iraq away from regional conflicts, safeguarding its national interests, and protecting the security of its people and its sovereignty. Guided by these principles and in fulfillment of its national responsibilities, the government has, since its first days in office, undertaken sustained efforts to strengthen the rule of law and ensure that all security activities operate within the framework of the state’s official institutions. At the same time, the government reiterates its rejection of these unjustified unilateral actions, whose consequences extend beyond violating Iraq’s sovereignty to also undermine the government’s serious efforts to consolidate security and stability at both the national and regional levels. The government calls on all parties to refrain from actions that would further escalate instability in the region and undermine the government’s law enforcement plan adopted since assuming office. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the security agreement governing the withdrawal of the International Coalition by the end of September 2026 and to completing the measures required to ensure that arms remain exclusively under state authority. The Council extends its deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs and wishes the wounded a speedy recovery, affirming that the blood of Iraqis is held in the highest regard and treated with the utmost responsibility. ••••• Sabah Al-Numan Spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces July 29, 2026