Peregraf — A group of Gulf and Arab countries has called on Iraq to take “necessary measures” to immediately stop attacks launched from its territory by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, warning that continued escalation threatens regional stability.
In a joint statement issued by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside officials from Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan, the countries strongly condemned what they described as “blatant Iranian attacks” across the region. The statement denounced actions carried out “directly or through proxies and armed factions,” calling them a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law, and the Charter of the United Nations.
The countries highlighted, in particular, attacks launched by armed groups aligned with Iran from within Iraq against neighboring states and key infrastructure, describing such actions as a breach of international conventions. They also referenced United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which demands that Iran cease all attacks or threats against other countries, including through proxy forces.
While reaffirming their “fraternal relations” with Iraq, the signatories urged the Iraqi government to act swiftly to curb the activity of these groups. “We call on the Iraqi government to take the necessary measures to immediately halt the attacks launched by factions and armed groups from Iraqi territory toward neighboring countries,” the statement read.
The coalition also asserted its right to self-defense under international law, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, and warned that it may take “all necessary measures” to protect national security and sovereignty. In addition, the statement condemned what it described as destabilizing operations by sleeper cells linked to Iran and groups associated with Hezbollah, praising regional security forces for countering such threats and dismantling alleged networks.
The warning comes amid a sharp escalation since the outbreak of the US-Israel War on Iran on February 28, 2026. Today, March 26, 2026, marks the 27th day of the war. Since the conflict began, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has carried out hundreds of attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and Baghdad International Airport.
On March 21, a drone strike hit the headquarters of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS) in Baghdad, killing one officer. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani condemned the incident as a “terrorist act” and a violation of state institutions.
Despite repeated government pledges to bring all weapons under state control, authorities in Baghdad have so far struggled to restrain powerful armed factions that continue to operate with significant autonomy, raising concerns over Iraq’s ability to prevent further regional escalation.