Iraqi Shia Framework Forms 2-Team Probe Into 9 Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia and UAE
Updated
Updated · Institute for the Study of War · May 22
Iraqi Shia Framework Forms 2-Team Probe Into 9 Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia and UAE
3 articles · Updated · Institute for the Study of War · May 22
An Iraqi federal committee will investigate likely Iranian-backed militia drone strikes launched from Iraq at Saudi Arabia and the UAE between May 17 and 19, according to a Shia Coordination Framework source.
Two teams are to handle the probe: one will review evidence and flight paths in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while the other investigates inside Iraq to identify the perpetrators.
The attacks included six drones aimed at the UAE — one hitting the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant — while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three drones launched from Iraq on May 17.
The move lands amid a broader push to curb militia power, but Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba on May 22 rejected disarmament or PMF integration and warned Iraqi officials would 'pay the price' politically.
The dispute reflects pressure on Baghdad from Washington to reduce Iranian influence, even as Tehran has urged Iraqi partners to halt attacks while preserving its leverage through allied militias.
Can Iraq's government disarm powerful militias that now operate as a 'state within a state'?
With negotiations stalled, what are President Trump's 'other options' to stop Iran's regional ambitions?
As Iran charges millions for 'safe passage,' is the era of free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz over?
Drone Strikes Near Barakah Nuclear Plant in May 2026: Iraq’s Sovereignty Crisis and Middle East Escalation
Overview
In May 2026, drone attacks against Gulf Arab states, especially the UAE, sharply increased amid ongoing regional tensions following the start of the Israel-US war against Iran in February. Tehran and its militia proxies were often linked to these operations, using proxies to avoid direct blame. The situation escalated when a drone strike occurred near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE, raising serious concerns about nuclear safety in the region. This incident highlighted the growing threat posed by Iran-backed groups and the complex web of regional conflict, making the security of critical infrastructure a major international concern.