US warns Iraq against PMF legislation that could embed Iranian influence

American diplomat says approving restructure of Tehran-backed Shiite paramilitary group could undermine Iraq’s sovereignty

The Popular Mobilisation Forces was formally incorporated into Iraq’s security apparatus in 2016. EPA

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”.