Baghdad: Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi announced the postponement of Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi's visit to Saudi Arabia following the recent attacks. He denied that the government had prior knowledge of the attacks on Iraqi territory.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Aboudi stated in a televised address, "The government had no prior knowledge of the attacks on Iraqi territory and did not grant any approval for attacks on specific locations or groups within Iraq." He emphasized Iraq's stance on maintaining peace and stability, asserting, "Iraq has not and will not allow its territory to be used as a launching pad for attacks against neighboring countries. The government has always adopted and continues to adopt diplomatic solutions and dialogue as a means to spare the region further crises and escalation."
Al-Aboudi highlighted Iraq's strategic position and its commitment to neutrality, saying, "Iraq is at the heart of the conflict and relies on balance in its foreign policy. The government believes in partnership and good neighborliness with all countries and has not been drawn into any conflicts in the region." He further called on Saudi Arabia to provide concrete evidence regarding the alleged attacks, noting that Iraq has already formed investigative committees to scrutinize Riyadh's claims, which have yet to be substantiated.
On domestic issues, al-Aboudi addressed concerns about employee salaries, affirming, "Salaries are a government obligation, and there are some internal solutions to avoid delays in their disbursement. The government is seeking domestic borrowing to secure them." He also commented on the economic ramifications of the regional crisis, highlighting its significant impact on Iraq's economy.
Furthermore, the spokesman mentioned ongoing economic collaborations, stating, "We have formed committees with Turkey to conduct a comprehensive study on Iraqi oil exports," and explained, "The Ceyhan corridor is the most secure route for the flow of Iraqi oil at this stage."