Iraq Condemns Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia and UAE

Iraq's prime minister condemned alleged drone attacks launched from within the country against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday that six drones had been launched from Iraq and struck a nuclear plant. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three drones entering its airspace from Iraq.

Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi said Thursday the country was renewing its condemnation of the attacks. He pledged a joint investigation of both strikes with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. "We express our rejection of the use of Iraqi territory or airspace as a launching ground for attacks against brotherly and friendly states, and reaffirm Iraq's role as a meeting point for shared interests," Al-Zaidi said on X.

Several Iran-backed militias operate in Iraqi territory separate from the Iraqi government.

-Israeli coalition that began on Feb. 28. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and driven global oil prices higher. S. Central Command said Thursday it has redirected 94 commercial vessels heading into or out of Iranian ports since the blockade began in early April.

Iran has imposed its own restrictions on ships transiting the strait, requiring military approval and sometimes charging fees. President Trump said Thursday the United States does not want to collect tolls on the Strait of Hormuz. "We want it open, we want it free.