The Islamic Resistance in Iraq on Wednesday denied involvement in reported attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and accused the United States of carrying out what it described as an attack on a procession serving pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala.
In a statement, the group accused Saudi Arabia of supporting US policies in the region and alleged that Riyadh has acted in coordination with Washington. It also rejected demands for its disarmament.
The group said it had given Iraqi authorities until 7th August to respond to what it described as US aggression.
According to the statement, the deadline is intended to test the government’s willingness to deter attacks and hold those responsible accountable.
The group warned that retaliation against what it called the “American enemy” was “inevitable” and said any future response could target US proxies in Saudi Arabia if circumstances required.
It also stated that it would seek to avoid disrupting the Arba’een pilgrimage and would prioritise the safety of Shia pilgrims visiting the shrine of Imam Hussein.
The statement followed an announcement by the Saudi Ministry of Defense, made in coordination with US Central Command (CENTCOM), that Saudi and US forces had carried out targeted strikes against what they described as Iranian-backed militias in Iraq in response to attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Saudi Arabia said it was acting in self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and stressed that it did not seek further escalation.
Iran denied responsibility for the attacks on Saudi facilities and warned that attributing actions against US interests to Tehran would be a “miscalculation.”
The latest exchange comes amid heightened regional tensions after US President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire with Iran was no longer in effect, raising concerns about a broader escalation across the Gulf region.
