Fears raised by critics as Iraqi government approves controversial PMF law

The Iraqi government has approved a contentious law concerning the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a paramilitary organization primarily comprised of Shiite groups, which was subsequently sent to parliament for a vote as US forces completed their mission in Iraq. The PMF, also known as Hashd Al Shaabi, was initially formed during Iraq's conflict against ISIS and has since been integrated into state security, with several factions receiving support from Iran.

Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's office announced the cabinet's vote in favor of the law, which would refer it to parliament for a vote, in line with constitutional provisions.

If the legislation is passed, it would grant the PMF permanent status as a national security body by offering them benefits equivalent to those of other military institutions in Iraq. The current draft of the law was initially approved by the government of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani in February 2025, but it faced delays due to disagreements over retirement provisions and opposition from the United States.

Washington claims that the bill undermines Iraq's sovereignty and strengthens Iran's influence over the nation's politics and security.

The PMF, which was established in 2014 to combat ISIS, has been criticized by the US for allegedly operating beyond state control and targeting American interests in Iraq and Syria. Senior PMF leaders, including Faleh Al Fayyadh, the PMF chairman, were blacklisted by the US between 2019 and 2021 under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

An Iraqi official expressed concern that the new law would grant the PMF a "permanent, legally protected status as a parallel armed institution within the Iraqi state," potentially solidifying Iran's grip on Iraq. Despite previous Iraqi legislation in 2016 aimed at regulating the PMF and integrating it under the prime minister's authority, the force has historically lacked clear details regarding its employment terms and administrative structure.