Iraq's government has withdrawn a contentious draft law that would have expanded the powers of the Shiite-dominated Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) paramilitary forces from parliament, following reported U.S. pressure. The withdrawal of the bill, which sought to grant the PMF greater autonomy and control over security operations, was confirmed today. The move comes after significant diplomatic engagement from the United States, which has expressed concerns that the legislation could undermine the Iraqi state's authority and potentially increase the influence of Iran-backed factions within the PMF. U.S. officials had warned that the bill's passage could impact security cooperation and bilateral relations. The draft legislation, if passed, would have allowed the PMF to operate more independently of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, potentially bypassing civilian oversight. The specific details of the U.S. pressure were not immediately disclosed, but sources indicate that diplomatic channels were actively used to convey these concerns to Baghdad. Sources close to the Iraqi parliament indicated that the withdrawal was a strategic decision aimed at de-escalating tensions with the U.S. and ensuring continued security assistance. The PMF, officially integrated into Iraq's security forces, comprises a coalition of primarily Shiite militias, some of which have strong ties to Iran. Further details on the exact timing of the U.S. pressure and the specific arguments presented to the Iraqi government are expected to emerge as the situation develops. The government's decision is seen as a significant development in the ongoing efforts to manage the complex relationship between state security institutions and paramilitary groups in Iraq.
