Iraq initiates probe into Saudi drone attacks and blocks three Iran border crossings

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi announced on Monday that a senior commander of the country’s operations command in the Maysan province, which borders Iran, has been dismissed and an investigation launched into a series of drone strikes that hit Saudi Arabian territory, Al Jazeera reported.

The drone attacks, which were reported earlier this week, targeted infrastructure in Saudi Arabia’s eastern region close to the Iraqi border. While the exact origin of the unmanned aircraft remains unclear, Iraqi authorities say the incidents prompted a swift security response, leading to the commander’s removal and a formal probe into the chain of command responsible for the operations.

In tandem with the investigation, the Iraqi government ordered the closure of three official border crossings that connect Iraq with Iran. The shutdown affects the flow of goods and travelers, especially in the southern provinces where trade with Iran accounts for a significant share of Iraq’s imports. Local officials warned that the closures could disrupt supply chains and increase prices for commodities that rely on the Iran‑Iraq trade corridor.

Drone warfare has become a recurring feature of Middle‑East conflicts, with both state and non‑state actors employing the technology to conduct covert strikes. Iraq, still grappling with the legacy of the fight against the Islamic State and ongoing militia influence, has struggled to maintain tight control over its airspace. The Maysan province, home to a dense network of militias linked to Iran, has previously been a flashpoint for cross‑border incidents, making the current probe a test of Baghdad’s capacity to assert sovereignty.

Analysts say the probe and border closures signal Baghdad’s intent to distance itself from any perceived Iranian involvement in the Saudi strikes and to reassure regional partners of its commitment to stability. The outcome of the investigation could shape Iraq’s diplomatic posture toward both Saudi Arabia and Iran, while also influencing future security cooperation with the United States and Gulf states.