Bahrain summons Iraqi envoy as pro-Iranian attacks persist in Gulf

Move reflects regional alarm over attacks by pro-Iranian groups based in Iraq, which continue despite ceasefire.Bahrain has summoned an Iraqi envoy over drone attacks launched at the kingdom and other states in the region, which persist despite the US-Iran ceasefire.The summoning of the diplomat on Monday followed similar action by Saudi Arabia the previous day, signalling growing regional concern over the activities of pro-Iranian groups based in Iraq and complicating Baghdad’s efforts to rebuild ties with its Arab neighbours.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Iran war: Ceasefire talks to Lebanon, what’s happening on day 42?list 2 of 4Pakistan sets modest goal for US-Iran summit: A deal to keep talks goinglist 3 of 4Saudi Arabia says key oil pipeline back to full capacity after attackslist 4 of 4What do we know about sea mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz?end of listBahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the “continued malicious drone attacks” launched from Iraq towards Bahrain and several Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the state news agency BNA reported.The ministry said Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, director general of bilateral relations, had delivered an official protest note during the meeting with the Iraqi charge d’affaires, Ahmed Ismail al-Karawi.The diplomatic missive called on Baghdad to address “these threats and attacks urgently and responsibly”.LaunchpadDuring the United States-Israel war on Iran, Iraq has become a staging ground for a secondary conflict as drones and missiles are launched by Iran-aligned armed groups repeatedly targeting the Gulf states and Jordan.US interests in Iraq also have been targeted, particularly the embassy in Baghdad.Last month, several Gulf countries and Jordan demanded in a joint statement that Baghdad act immediately to stop attacks from its territory by Iran-aligned groups.The statement was signed by Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.