Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Saudi Arabia has extended an invitation to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi to visit Riyadh as the two countries try to regain momentum in ties after a dangerous escalation involving Iran-backed militias operating from Iraqi soil. The meeting is notable since Al-Zaidi canceled a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia last month in response to US-Saudi airstrikes on Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq. These operations followed a series of drone assaults on Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia then launched operations with US troops against Iran-backed militia strongholds in Iraq, increasing pressure on Baghdad to bring armed organizations operating outside of effective official control under its authority. The outreach coincides with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to deepen regional security relationships.