Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Late Wednesday Evening 5-20-26
Qaani Informed The Leaders Of The Coordination Committee And Factions That Any Disarmament Or Restructuring Of The Popular Mobilization Forces Is A "Red Line" For Tehran
Baghdad – One News 5/20/2026 Political sources revealed that Iranian General Qaani informed leaders in the coordination framework and armed factions during recent meetings he held in Baghdad that any step aimed at disarming the factions or restructuring the Popular Mobilization Forces represents a “red line” for the axis of resistance.
The sources said that Qaani stressed during those meetings the need to preserve the structure of the armed factions and not allow any measures that would diminish their influence within Iraq.
In the same context, the sources indicated that US support for Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Zaidi came within a conditional approach aimed at reducing the influence of factions close to Iran, tightening control over their financial and economic networks, and imposing broader controls on their funding and activities within the country. https://1news-iq.net/مصادر-قاآني-أبلغ-قيادات-التنسيقي-والف/
Al-Zaydi Chairs The First National Security Meeting And Affirms Zero Tolerance For Any Threat To The Countries Of The Region
Baghdad – One News 5/20/2026 Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh al-Zaidi chaired the first meeting of the National Security Ministerial Council on Wednesday, and stressed the continued efforts to raise the level of readiness and capabilities of all security agencies.
The council stated, according to the Iraqi News Agency, that it renews its condemnation of the recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and the UAE, stressing the government’s rejection of the use of Iraqi territory or passage through its airspace to attack Arab and regional countries.
The council decided to form a special committee to approach Saudi Arabia and the UAE and cooperate in the investigation regarding the recent attacks, while the Commander-in-Chief directed that all measures be taken against those involved if it is proven that Iraqi territory was used as a launching point for attacks on the two countries. (They already know it was the IRI factions who admitted the strikes)
Al-Zaydi stressed that the government will not tolerate any individual or group that seeks to threaten the security of Iraq or the security of its brothers and countries in the region, stressing the government’s commitment to taking the necessary measures to protect the country’s stability and preserve its sovereignty.
The National Security Council also stressed Iraq’s keenness to build the best relations with the countries of the region and the international community, and that the new government should be a partner in stabilizing the region and extending the rule of law, while committing to protecting diplomatic missions and foreign companies operating in the country, and restricting weapons to the state. https://1news-iq.net/الزيدي-يترأس-أول-اجتماع-للأمن-الوطني-و/
Iraq Investigates Attacks On Gulf States Allegedly Launched From Its Territory
2026-05-20 / Shafaq News- Baghdad Iraq’s Ministerial Council for National Security on Wednesday ordered an investigation into attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates allegedly launched from Iraqi territory, warning of legal action against those involved if the claims are confirmed.
During the council’s first meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, members condemned the recent attacks and reaffirmed Baghdad’s rejection of using Iraqi territory or airspace to target neighboring Arab and regional states, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office.
Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office
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Official Statement ….. Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chaired the first meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security.
The meeting reviewed developments in the overall security situation across the country, with the Prime Minister affirming the government’s commitment to continually raising the readiness and capabilities of all security agencies and strengthening coordination among them to sustain security and stability.
The meeting renewed its condemnation of the recent attacks that targeted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, reaffirming the government’s rejection of the use of Iraqi territory or airspace to launch attacks against brotherly Arab states and friendly regional countries, and stressing that the government will respond firmly in this regard.
The meeting further addressed the ongoing investigations into the attacks that targeted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. A special committee was formed to liaise with the relevant authorities in both countries, and the Prime Minister directed that all necessary measures be taken against those found responsible should Iraqi territory be confirmed as a launch point for those attacks, reaffirming Iraq’s commitment to full cooperation with brotherly countries on this matter.
The Prime Minister stressed that the government will not tolerate any individual or group seeking to threaten Iraq’s security or that of its brotherly neighbors and regional partners, reaffirming its resolve to take all measures necessary to protect the country’s stability and preserve its sovereignty.
The meeting also affirmed Iraq’s commitment to building the strongest possible relations with regional and international partners, as well as the new government’s commitment to serving as a partner in regional stability, upholding the rule of law, protecting diplomatic missions and foreign companies operating in the country, and restricting the bearing of arms to the state — all of which constitute core government priorities in enhancing security and stability.
Sabah Al-Numan Official Spokesperson For The Commander-In-Chief Of The Armed Forces
May 20, 2026 A special committee was formed to coordinate with Saudi and Emirati authorities as investigations continue, while al-Zaidi directed security agencies to take all necessary measures against any individual or group found responsible.
The council also stressed the need to maintain high security readiness and coordination among Iraqi security forces to preserve internal stability.
Al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to strengthening relations with regional and international partners, protecting diplomatic missions and foreign companies operating in the country, and limiting weapons to state control as part of the government’s broader security priorities.
On Sunday, Saudi Arabia reported the interception and destruction of three drones after they entered its airspace from Iraqi territory. https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraq-investigates-attacks-on-Gulf-states-allegedly-launched-from-its-territory
Iraq Reviews Security Ministries, Examines Gulf Drone Allegations
2026-05-20 / 15:31 Shafaq News- Baghdad Iraq’s ruling Coordination Framework (CF) discussed efforts to fill unresolved security ministries while examining Saudi and Emirati allegations that drones launched from Iraqi territory targeted the two Gulf states, a CF source told Shafaq News on Thursday.
The discussions took place during a meeting held on Wednesday night attended by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, with discussions focusing on the Interior and Defense ministries alongside regional security accusations involving Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Iraq’s parliament granted confidence to Al-Zaidi’s government on May 14, approving 14 ministers out of 23 while delaying nine portfolios, including Interior and Defense, amid continuing disputes over cabinet allocations. CF leaders agreed to authorize Al-Zaidi to select candidates for the Interior and Defense Ministries from lists of 10 nominees submitted by supporting political groups and parties affiliated with the candidates, provided they possess proven military and security experience.
Read more: What does Iraq's new government promise? A guide to Ali Al-Zaidi's ministerial program
Al-Zaidi will choose the final nominees for the two ministries from those lists, the source added, noting that names currently circulating for the posts were inaccurate. Leaders at the meeting also agreed to reassess the distribution of sovereign ministries based on the “official cost formula” approved by the team overseeing negotiations under Al-Zaidi’s supervision, adding that the cabinet allocation map could witness further changes.
On the regional security file, the meeting discussed allegations by Saudi Arabia and the UAE that drones launched from Iraq had targeted the two countries. Leaders agreed to form a committee including security specialists and representatives from the Interior, Defense, National Security, and Foreign Ministries.
One team will visit Saudi Arabia and the UAE to review evidence related to the alleged drone flights, particularly radar and early-warning data, in an effort to determine launch points and flight paths and identify the responsible party, while a second team will conduct investigations inside Iraq and gather information related to allegations that drones targeting Saudi Arabia and the UAE originated from Iraqi territory.
“The committee’s work will focus on obtaining evidence before adopting any final position,” the source said, adding that conclusions would depend on technical and security findings presented by the relevant authorities.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE earlier alleged that drones entered their airspace from Iraq, including an attack Abu Dhabi said targeted the Barakah nuclear power plant, while Riyadh announced intercepting drones approaching from the Iraqi direction. Iraq later condemned the attacks and announced technical and security coordination with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to review available evidence.
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraq-reviews-security-ministries-examines-Gulf-drone-allegations
Iraq Parliament Demands Emergency Air Defense Budget After Gulf Drone Accusations
2026-05-20 Shafaq News- Baghdad Iraq’s parliamentary Security and Defense Committee called on Wednesday for an “emergency budget” to strengthen the country’s air defenses following Gulf accusations that drone attacks against Saudi Arabia and the UAE originated from Iraqi territory.
Committee member Yasser Watout told Shafaq News that the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE should provide “concrete evidence” supporting their recent accusations.
“The protection of Iraqi airspace is the responsibility of the Global Coalition,” Watout pointed out.
He also questioned how such operations could occur without being detected, noting that Iraqi skies is monitored by US and Israeli aircraft as well as advanced surveillance systems and satellites, urging both countries to clarify whether the drones were launched from southern, central, or northern Iraq.
He suggested that a “third party” could be behind the attacks in an attempt to fuel tensions between Iraq and Gulf countries.
Earlier today, Iraq’s Ministerial Council for National Security ordered an investigation into the alleged drone attacks and warned of legal action against those responsible if the accusations are confirmed. The council also formed a special committee to coordinate with Saudi and Emirati authorities, while Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Al-Zaidi instructed security agencies to take all necessary measures against any individuals or groups involved.
Read more: How the Iran–US–Israel war exposes Iraq’s defense paralysis
On May 17, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced that it had intercepted and destroyed three drones after they entered the kingdom’s airspace from Iraq, warning that Riyadh would take the necessary operational measures “at the appropriate time and place.”
Later, the UAE Defense Ministry also revealed that it had intercepted six drones originating from Iraq over 48 hours targeting the Barakah Nuclear Plant.
Iraq’s armed forces have relied on foreign defense procurement since the early 2000s, with recent efforts focused on rebuilding deterrence amid regional instability and increasing pressure to assert airspace sovereignty —particularly following repeated breaches during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in 2025.
Read more: Iraq's air defense void: How US vetoes, and Russian limits leave Baghdad exposed