Iraq Advances PMF Law Amid US Calls for Greater Control Over the Force
Iraq’s parliament has initiated discussions on the PMF law, aimed at integrating these forces into the national military under the prime minister’s command. US officials have emphasized the need for Iraqi sovereignty and control over all security forces. Political disputes have emerged regarding provisions of the law, particularly concerning leadership changes and oversight, as Iraq seeks to reform and clarify the PMF’s role amid growing tensions with Iran.
On March 24, 2025, Iraq’s parliament initiated discussions regarding the contentious Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law, which seeks to integrate the PMF into the state military framework. Concurrently, US officials emphasized the necessity for these groups to report to the Iraqi prime minister rather than Iranian authorities, marking a significant moment in Iraq’s political landscape.
The Iraqi news agency (INA) reported that the parliament has completed its first reading of the PMF Law draft. Established in 2014, the PMF emerged as a response to the Islamic State’s advances, initially comprising approximately 70 predominantly Shiite armed factions with a force of about 250,000 personnel.
While previous legislative efforts in 2016 aimed to create a legal framework for the PMF, the initial law was incomplete and vague, leading to confusion regarding its operations within Iraq’s security apparatus. A new PMF Service and Retirement Law was approved by the Iraqi Council of Ministers, emphasizing the need for better organization akin to established military institutions.
Despite previous advancements, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani withdrew the draft amid internal political disputes. Notable Shiite blocs are advocating for a mandatory retirement age of 60, which may lead to significant changes in leadership positions within the PMF, including its current Chairman, Falih al-Fayyadh.
Tensions persist as Fayyadh and his allies resist provisions that could threaten their authority. Meanwhile, Fayyadh recently engaged with Iranian officials for support, potentially impacting the law’s progression. Some factions also contest the proposed government oversight, fearing it may compromise the PMF’s operational capacity.
The position of the United States remains critical, with officials articulating concerns over the PMF’s connections to Iran-backed groups and advocating for clearer command structures. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that, “the Iraqi government must ensure it has command and control of all security forces within its borders.” This underscores the US’s commitment to Iraqi sovereignty and its official stance against Iran’s influence.
Prominent analysts suggest that detaching the PMF from Iranian influence and integrating it into Iraqi forces is a challenging yet achievable goal, provided the necessary training and oversight are established. The proposed PMF law outlines significant reforms, including the establishment of a direct command structure under the prime minister, curtailing political activities of PMF members and emphasizing national defense responsibilities.
The draft law consists of 18 provisions mandating the PMF’s role in national defense and requiring cooperation with Iraq’s ministries, outlining leadership qualifications, and establishing a military academy for training. Furthermore, an auditing system is set to ensure financial transparency.
As the PMF law progresses through legislative procedures, including secondary readings and a vote, the parliament’s actions may reflect a resolution among political factions. However, the complexities of these discussions could also illustrate a temporary measure to alleviate prolonged parliamentary disruptions. If passed, the new legislation will replace the earlier 2016 framework, formally transferring its benefits and responsibilities to the PMF.
The advancement of the PMF law represents a critical juncture in Iraq’s efforts to reform its security institutions amidst geopolitical tensions and internal conflicts. The integration of the PMF into state security forces aims to enhance command structure and accountability, addressing concerns from the United States regarding Iranian influence. The proposed provisions signify a pivotal step toward establishing a clear operational framework and ensuring the PMF’s alignment with Iraq’s national interests.
Original Source: www.rudaw.net
