The US has renewed its opposition to two bills under consideration in the Iraqi parliament that would formally restructure the country’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella group of mainly Iran-backed Shiite militias.
In a meeting with deputy speaker Muhsin Al Mandalawi, US charge d’affaires Steven Fagin warned that the draft bills could undermine Iraq’s sovereignty and further entrench Iranian influence in the country’s political and security landscape, according to a statement published by the US embassy late on Sunday. The meeting took place the day before, it said.
Mr Fagin “reiterated US concerns” about the two proposed bills during the meeting, it said. The “legislation would institutionalise Iranian influence and strengthen armed terrorist groups, undermining Iraq’s sovereignty”, it added.
Tehran-aligned political parties and armed factions have been pushing for the two bills: one to reconstruct the PMF and cement its role, and another for retirement benefits. The parliament finished the second reading on the reconstruction of PMF and is expected to put it on vote soon.
The PMF, known locally as Al Hashid Al Shaabi, is a state-sponsored umbrella organisation of mostly Shiite paramilitary groups, many of which have close ties to Iran. While the PMF was formally incorporated into Iraq’s security apparatus in 2016 following its critical role in defeating ISIS, critics say several factions continue to operate independently of state control, with some accused of attacking diplomatic missions and US interests.
In a letter to parliament, PMF chairman Falih Al Fayyadh called on politicians to vote on the legislation, saying it is a “national responsibility and a matter related to the dignity of those who took up the weapons to defend Iraq and its sovereignty”.
“Voting on the Popular Mobilisation Forces Law is not just a legislative procedure, but an expression of the people's appreciation for their fighters and uphold their rights,” Mr Al Fayyadh added.
In a bid to increase pressure on Iran's proxies in Iraq, the US has blacklisted several senior PMF leaders between 2019 and 2021, including Mr Al Fayyadh, under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. He is set to run in parliamentary elections in November as an ally of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani.
It is the latest US warning in a short period of time. Late last month, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the issue with Mr Al Sudani.
Mr Rubio “reiterated serious US concerns” about the PMF, emphasising that “any such legislation would institutionalise Iranian influence and armed terrorist groups undermining Iraq’s sovereignty”, spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said in a statement.
During that call, Mr Al Sudani defended the proposed legislation, saying it’s part of an effort to ensure that arms are controlled by the state.
It is “part of the government's security reform process and part of the government programme approved by the House of Representatives”, his office said, adding that PMF is an “official Iraqi military institution operating under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces”.
The five pillars of Islam
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch
Power: 710bhp
Torque: 770Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 340km/h
Price: Dh1,000,885
On sale: now
'Panga'
Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta
Rating: 3.5/5
TO ALL THE BOYS: ALWAYS AND FOREVER
Directed by: Michael Fimognari
Starring: Lana Condor and Noah Centineo
Two stars
Ukraine
Capital: Kiev
Population: 44.13 million
Armed conflict in Donbass
Russia-backed fighters control territory
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
