Iraq's government says it had no prior knowledge of US-Saudi attacks, contradicting a claim by Donald Trump, as the US resumes strikes on Iran and fears grow that the conflict is widening.
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Key facts
- Iraq's government spokesperson denied Trump's claim that strikes were coordinated with Iraq.
- The Iraqi prime minister postponed a planned trip to Saudi Arabia after the attacks.
- The US launched fresh strikes on Iran following a days-long pause.
- A QatarEnergy-controlled LNG tanker exited the strait of Hormuz overnight, the first visible on tracking data since 11 July.
Iraq has stated it had ‘no prior knowledge’ of US-Saudi attacks in the region, according to the Guardian’s live coverage of the deepening Middle East crisis. A government spokesperson denied a claim made by US President Donald Trump that the strikes had been coordinated with Iraq.
In response to the attacks, the Iraqi prime minister postponed a planned trip to Saudi Arabia. The move underscores the tensions the strikes have generated among regional governments as the conflict shows signs of widening.
The developments came as the United States launched fresh strikes on Iran following a days-long pause. The renewed military action has raised concerns that the war could expand further across the region.
Shipping activity in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors also drew attention. A liquefied natural gas tanker controlled by QatarEnergy exited the strait of Hormuz overnight, the first such vessel visible on ship-tracking data to leave the waterway since 11 July, according to data from analytics firms reported on Thursday.
The vessel, named the Al Areesh, had loaded a cargo at Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal around 4-6 July and sailed out of the strait overnight on 29 July, according to data from Kpler and LSEG.
The strait of Hormuz is a key route for global energy shipments, and movements of tankers through the waterway are closely watched during periods of heightened regional tension.
Why it matters
The dispute between Iraq and Washington over whether strikes were coordinated highlights the diplomatic strain a widening conflict is placing on regional governments. Renewed US strikes on Iran and closely watched shipping activity in the strait of Hormuz signal potential risks to regional stability and global energy supplies.
Frequently asked questions
Did Iraq coordinate with the US on the attacks?
No. Iraq's government spokesperson denied Trump's claim that the strikes were coordinated with Iraq, saying the country had no prior knowledge of the US-Saudi attacks.
Why did the Iraqi prime minister postpone his trip to Saudi Arabia?
According to the Guardian, the Iraqi prime minister postponed his planned trip to Saudi Arabia following the attacks.
What happened with shipping in the strait of Hormuz?
A QatarEnergy-controlled LNG tanker, the Al Areesh, exited the strait of Hormuz overnight on 29 July, the first such vessel visible on ship-tracking data to leave the waterway since 11 July, according to Kpler and LSEG data.
Timeline
- Iraq says it had ‘no prior knowledge’ of US-Saudi attacks – as it happened
The Guardian World: This blog is now closed – our live coverage of the Middle East continues here A liquefied natural gas tanker controlled by QatarEnergy exited the strait of Hormuz overnight – the first such vessel visible on ship-tracking data to leave the waterway since 11 July, data from ana
- Middle East crisis live: Iraq says it had ‘no prior knowledge’ of US-Saudi attacks
The Guardian World: Iraqi prime minister postpones trip to Saudi Arabia after attacks as government spokesperson denies Trump’s claim that strikes were coordinated with Iraq US launches fresh strikes on Iran after days-long pause, amid fears the war is widening A liquefied natural gas tanker control