Iraqi PM, Saudi intelligence chief discuss regional security in Baghdad

Iraqi PM, Saudi intelligence chief discuss regional security

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi met Saudi general intelligence chief Khalid Al Humaidan on Friday to discuss coordination over regional security developments, the prime minister's office said.

Zaidi said Iraq would not allow its territory to be used to launch attacks or activities targeting any other country. He reiterated Baghdad's commitment to protecting its sovereignty and preventing regional escalation.

Day 52 of interim peace deal

Welcome to Day 52 our live coverage of the diplomatic and security developments from across the region amid the interim peace deal in the US-Iran war.

Iranian negotiators are awaiting final approval from the country’s Supreme National Security Council for a proposed deal involving Oman and the US, Axios reported on Friday, citing a diplomat from one of the mediating countries.

Reuters, citing a US official, reported that Washington would lift its blockade of Iranian ports once an agreement is announced, allowing commercial shipping to resume without impediments. The official said US measures would remain performance-based and tied to Iran’s implementation of its commitments.

Meanwhile, the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed a joint defence agreement in Makkah, declaring that an armed attack on any one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all three. Turkey said the agreement does not conflict with its commitments to Nato.