Security and political analyst Ali Razak says the joint US-Saudi strikes on Popular Mobilization Forces positions mark a new and disproportionate escalation, coming just days after Prime Minister Ali Zaidi’s visit to Washington.
He argues the attacks may be linked to Iraq’s internal push to bring all armed factions under state control, and possibly to Riyadh’s effort to demonstrate strategic value to Washington amid nuclear‑deal negotiations.
Rizk adds that while Saudi Arabia is unlikely to seek a wider confrontation, the strikes risk deepening tensions inside Iraq and could prompt retaliation from Iran or its regional allies.
