Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi has ordered the armed forces to raise combat readiness to the highest level amid the US-Israeli war on Iran and rising regional tensions, his media office said on Tuesday.

Al-Zaidi issued the directive at a meeting with military commanders and senior officials, where he was briefed on the readiness of the air force, navy, air defenses and army aviation, as well as their equipment and technology needs.

Modern military strength increasingly depends on air power, drones, air defense systems and advanced technology, the statement quoted al-Zaidi as saying. He pledged government support to strengthen the armed forces.

The order comes two weeks after the final US forces withdrew from Iraq on Sept. 30, ending the US-led military mission in the country.

Sabah al-Numan, spokesman for the commander-in-chief, said Iraq had made progress in acquiring air defense systems, including radars, interceptors and aircraft. The new systems could take up to six months to become operational, according to reports.

Baghdad is also seeking to bring weapons held by armed groups under state control. A specialized unit has been established within the Popular Mobilization Forces to take control of drones held by armed factions, a report citing an Iraqi security source said.

The initiative is part of al-Zaidi's plan to place weapons under government authority by June 30, 2027. He continues to favor negotiations with groups resisting the plan rather than a military confrontation, the report said.

The developments come as the conflict involving Iran continues to fuel regional instability. Yemen's Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for missile attacks on Saudi airports in recent days, according to the supplied report. Saudi officials said an attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday killed 12 people and wounded more than 300, while another strike on Sunday killed one person and injured 11.

US President Donald Trump has said he is considering joining Saudi strikes against the Houthis. The group has threatened a swift response if Washington intervenes.

Diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said on Sunday that Tehran considered Washington's latest response on reopening the Strait of Hormuz insufficient and was no longer responding to the United States. (ILKHA)