Qais al-Khazali, Secretary-General of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, strongly condemned US pressure on PMF legislation. This Iran-aligned Shiite faction leader called the American influence a direct attack on Iraq’s sovereignty. He said the pressure crosses from diplomatic efforts into an “assault on Iraqi sovereignty.”
Al-Khazali accused the US of using political blackmail to disrupt Iraq’s legislative process. Moreover, he argued that blocking parliament’s duties under American influence threatens Iraq’s democratic foundations. “Preventing parliament from fulfilling its legislative and oversight duties under American pressure is unacceptable,” he said. He further warned that giving in would mean “surrendering national decision-making and abandoning the will of the Iraqi people.”
Furthermore, al-Khazali firmly defended the Popular Mobilization Forces’ fighters and their rights. He stressed that protecting their entitlements is a “national and moral obligation,” not something to negotiate. In his view, the PMF’s role and benefits must be legally guaranteed to ensure stability.
His comments came after US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce highlighted US concerns. Specifically, Bruce said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had voiced worries to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Rubio warned that the proposed PMF law would increase the power of armed groups, raising alarms in Washington.This dispute highlights rising tensions between Iraq’s internal politics and foreign pressures. Many Iraqi leaders perceive the US actions as overreach interfering with sovereign decisions. The issue also stirs debate about the PMF’s role in Iraq’s security landscape.
Despite the pressure, Iraqi factions like Asaib Ahl al-Haq insist on pushing legislation to protect PMF fighters. They argue such laws ensure stability and respect for those who fought for the country.
Meanwhile, Washington continues to monitor developments closely, emphasizing the need to balance security and democracy. The coming weeks will likely show how much influence the US wields over Iraqi policymaking.
As this political standoff unfolds, Iraq’s parliament faces growing challenges to assert its independence. Observers say the outcome will impact Iraq’s future sovereignty and internal security dynamics.
