Iraq’s PMF law seen as test of sovereignty amid US objections
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Iraq’s PMF draft law honors fighters’ sacrifices and sovereignty, while the US voices concern over perceived Iranian influence and armed groups.
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Members from the Popular Mobilization Forces attend the funeral of Commander Haider al-Moussawi from Kataeb Sayyed Al-Shuhada in Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)
Iraqi Popular Mobilization Authority chief Faleh al-Fayyad affirmed on Sunday that the vote on the draft Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law represents a “national responsibility tied to the dignity of those who answered the call of the religious authority and defended Iraq’s sovereignty.”
In a message addressed to members of Iraq’s parliament, al-Fayyad described the moment as one that reflects loyalty to the history and sacrifices of PMF fighters, many of whom played key roles in the defeat of ISIS.
“Passing this law is not just a legislative step. It is an affirmation of the rights of those who wrote Iraq’s glory with their blood, and a recognition from the people for those who bore arms to defend Iraq and its unity,” al-Fayyad said.
Draft law guarantees rights of PMF fighters
The legislation seeks to enshrine the rights of PMF personnel and provide a legal framework governing their structure, responsibilities, and benefits. According to Al Mayadeen’s Baghdad correspondent, the law aims to better regulate the Popular Mobilization Authority’s operations and grant it stronger legal recognition under Iraqi law.
However, the law has drawn criticism from Washington. US Senator Marco Rubio reportedly expressed “deep concern” about the legislation during recent talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani.
Rubio claimed the law would “entrench Iranian influence and empower armed groups that undermine Iraqi sovereignty,” reflecting US unease with Iraq’s growing military independence and refusal to marginalize the PMF, which has long been a target of US pressure.
PMF integral to Iraq state institutions
Al-Fayyad last year said the adoption of the service and retirement law for the PMF is the first sign of loyalty to the fighters, stressing that what has been achieved was in the spirit of Resistance and not in the spirit of a job.
Speaking at a conference marking the 10th anniversary of the founding of the PMF, al-Fayyad said, "The PMF did not achieve what it did in the spirit of paying for fighting, as we are not mercenaries."
While stressing that he "does not underestimate the other armed forces formations," al-Fayyad emphasized the uniqueness of the PMF as "an entity that arose from a legitimate basis and was built on volunteerism and self-motivation," stressing that this "identity must be preserved."
Al-Fayyad stressed, "Bearing very heavy burdens from both close and distant quarters to maintain this entity as one representing the spirit of jihad [fighting against the enemies] and rising above partial classifications and political categorizations, above parties and above any other designation," explaining that "the Popular Mobilization is the present shield of the nation in every confrontation and battle."
