Iraq rebukes British ambassador over remarks targeting PMF
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The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs deems Irfan Siddiq's remarks on the PMF a violation of diplomatic protocol and interference in Iraq’s internal affairs.
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In this May 26, 2021, file photo, Popular Mobilization Forces, PMF, patrol outside the heavily fortified Green Zone, where the Prime Minister's headquarters is in Baghdad, Iraq (AP)
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally notified British Ambassador Irfan Siddiq of its strong objection to his recent public remarks on August 8, 2025, deeming them a violation of diplomatic protocol and interference in Iraq’s internal affairs.
During a meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters on August 10, 2025, Deputy Foreign Minister for Bilateral Affairs Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom expressed the Iraqi government’s deep concern regarding Siddiq's comments.
He reiterated that such conduct violates the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which obligates diplomatic representatives to respect the laws and regulations of the host state and refrain from interfering in its internal affairs.
The Iraqi government urged the Ambassador to refrain from any further statements or activities of this nature and to act in a manner that fosters friendly relations between the two countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining constructive diplomatic communication, adhering to the principles of mutual respect, and refraining from interference in the internal affairs of other states.
US, UK, stand against Iraq's sovereignty
The British ambassador to Iraq previously stated in a televised interview that Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces are not necessary anymore following the defeat of ISIS, voicing opposition against the legislation to institutionalize the PMF as part of the government.
The proposed legislation seeks to formally codify the rights of PMF personnel while establishing a comprehensive legal framework to define their organizational structure, duties, and entitlements. Al Mayadeen’s Baghdad correspondent reported that the law is designed to enhance oversight of the Popular Mobilization Authority’s activities and solidify its legal standing within Iraq’s judicial system.
The UK ambassador's position echoes that of the United States, with US Senator Marco Rubio reportedly voicing "deep concern" about the legislation during recent discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, as the international response to the proposed law continues to take shape.
Rubio claimed the law would entrench Iranian influence and empower armed groups that undermine Iraqi sovereignty, reflecting Washington's unease with Iraq's military policy shifts and resistance to marginalizing the PMF, which has long been subject to US pressure campaigns.
Iraq shuts down terrorist plot to target Arbaeen pilgrims
Meanwhile, amid the calls to disband and disarm the PMF under the claim that it served its purpose, the Iraqi Judicial Council announced the arrest of a terrorist network that had been planning to target visitors participating in the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage commemorating Imam Hussein, with the ceremonies scheduled to take place in the coming days.
The judiciary revealed that the terrorist network's plans included manufacturing and planting explosive devices along southern pilgrimage routes used by visitors, as well as attempting to contaminate food supplies intended for pilgrims with lethal poisons.
The investigation further revealed that ISIS operatives employed systematic brainwashing techniques as part of their recruitment process for these terrorist elements.
ISIS deploys new recruitment schemes
The judicial authorities explained that this radicalization process involves exposing recruits to violent extremist literature and misleading jihadist propaganda, gradually integrating them into distorted religious study groups connected to specially trained clerics, ultimately coercing them into pledging allegiance to the terrorist organization's leadership.
The Iraqi judiciary urged families to closely monitor their children's online activities and remain vigilant for any behavioral changes or shifts in religious ideology that could signal radicalization.
Karbala provincial authorities announced on Thursday the arrest of a 22-member terrorist cell by the Falcons intelligence unit, which had been planning attacks during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, including targeting a Husseiniya along the Karbala-Najaf visitor route.
