Manama, Bahrain — Bahrain summoned an Iraqi diplomat on Monday to protest ongoing drone attacks launched from Iraq against the kingdom and other Gulf states.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered an official protest note to Iraqi charge d’affaires Ahmed Ismail al-Karawi. The move follows a similar diplomatic summons by Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
State news agency BNA reported that Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, director general of bilateral relations, condemned the "continued malicious drone attacks" originating from Iraq. The ministry demanded that Baghdad address these threats "urgently and responsibly."
Regional tensions rise
The diplomatic friction follows a series of missile and drone strikes targeting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members. These attacks have persisted despite a recent two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
Pro-Iranian armed groups in Iraq have utilized the country as a staging ground for strikes against the Gulf and Jordan. These groups also targeted U.S. interests in Iraq, including the embassy in Baghdad.
Last month, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement demanding Baghdad stop attacks launched from its territory. The group called for immediate action to prevent further regional instability.
Baghdad has rejected claims that its territory is being used to target neighbors. The Iraqi government stated it is taking necessary measures "in accordance with the constitution and the law."
To preserve its rebuilding ties with Arab neighbors, Baghdad offered "full readiness" to review any evidence provided regarding the attacks. However, several Gulf nations reported new missile and drone strikes just hours after pro-Iranian groups announced they would suspend actions under the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
