Iraq Backs Saudi Arabia, Condemns Houthi Attacks, Offers to Host Peace Talks — Pakistan’s Regional Peace Formula Gains Ground

ISLAMABAD/RIYADH : Iraq on Wednesday publicly sided with Saudi Arabia, condemned the Houthi missile strike on Riyadh, and offered to facilitate talks to end the Yemen war, in what diplomatic sources describe as a breakthrough for Pakistan’s regional peace formula.

Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace, becoming the first foreign leader to visit the Saudi capital since a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and wounded over 300 in the deadliest strike on the Kingdom in a decade.

*Iraq: Territory Will Not Be Used Against Saudi Arabia*

Al-Zaidi issued a firm condemnation and a security guarantee, according to statements released by his office and the Saudi Press Agency.

“The Iraqi government condemns the attack on King Khalid Airport and all harm inflicted on civilians, describing such acts as a threat to regional security and stability,” Al-Zaidi said.

He added that Baghdad would not allow its territory to be used to launch attacks against Saudi Arabia or any other country — a key assurance after Riyadh said July drone attacks originated from Iraqi soil.

“Iraq calls for a comprehensive cessation of military operations to spare civilians and ensure civilian facilities are protected. Dialogue and understanding must be the alternative,” he said.

*Riyadh Welcomes Baghdad’s Stance*

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Iraq, particularly on security coordination, and voiced support for Baghdad’s efforts to promote dialogue, SPA reported.

The meeting came a day after the Saudi Cabinet, chaired by the Crown Prince, warned that the Houthis “will bear the consequences of their repeated attacks on the Kingdom, including those targeting airports and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.”

*Four Developments, One Formula*

According to Minute Mirror’s investigation, four verified developments now link together as part of a Pakistan-proposed package:

First, on Oct 11, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and offered Tehran’s help to facilitate talks between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Second, Iraq has now publicly condemned the Houthi strikes and offered a territorial guarantee, bringing Baghdad formally into the process.

Third, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev made a historic first visit to Pakistan on Oct 12-13 to discuss security cooperation, as Russian channels remained active in Kabul and Tehran for de-escalation.

Fourth, Houthi officials told The Associated Press that Oman, Russia and China had contacted them through Iran and that they were ready for a comprehensive ceasefire.

Diplomatic sources said the package being discussed includes an Iran-US ceasefire extension, Saudi-Iran rapprochement, Iraq’s security guarantee, Russia as a UN Security Council guarantor, and a six-month ceasefire in Yemen.

The sources added that the next step could be a meeting in Muscat or Baghdad involving Saudi, Iranian, Iraqi and Houthi representatives, with Russia and Iran as guarantors and Pakistan as witness.

Officials in Riyadh described Wednesday’s meeting as the first public sign that the formula is gaining ground.