UAE summons Iraqi chargé d’affaires over attacks from Iraqi territory

BAGHDAD — The United Arab Emirates summoned Iraq’s chargé d’affaires Wednesday and delivered a formal protest note condemning continued attacks launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-aligned armed groups, adding to a wave of diplomatic pressure from Gulf states on Baghdad.

The UAE condemned and rejected “the continued terrorist attacks launched from Iraqi territory,” saying they targeted vital facilities in Gulf countries, violated their sovereignty and airspace and undermined international efforts to promote security — noting the attacks continued despite a declared ceasefire.

The summons follows similar moves by Bahrain on Monday, which summoned Iraq’s chargé d’affaires in Manama over continued drone attacks toward Bahrain and other Gulf countries, and Saudi Arabia on Sunday, which summoned Iraq’s ambassador in Riyadh over attacks targeting the kingdom. Kuwait has summoned Iraq’s chargé d’affaires twice since March.

The pattern reflects deepening Gulf frustration over Baghdad’s inability to stop cross-border attacks by armed factions. Six Arab states jointly called on Iraq last month to act, describing the strikes as “a flagrant violation” of their sovereignty. Iraq’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly rejected the use of its territory for such attacks and pledged to coordinate with neighboring countries.