logo
US Reiterates Opposition to Iraq PMF Bill

US Reiterates Opposition to Iraq PMF Bill

Iraq Business2 days ago
By John Lee.
The US State Department has reiterated its opposition to proposed legislation in Iraq concerning the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), warning that it could increase Iranian influence and undermine Iraq's sovereignty.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce (pictured) said Washington opposed any legislation inconsistent with the goals of bilateral security cooperation or that weakened Iraq's existing security institutions.
She added that the United States supports " genuine Iraqi sovereignty, not legislation that would turn Iraq into an Iranian satellite state, " emphasising that the future of nations should be determined by their own people.
The comments followed reports of Iranian official Ali Larijani's visit to Baghdad, during which he signed a security agreement with Iraq.
(Source: US State Department)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Iraq's leaders hail KDP's 79th anniversary
Iraq's leaders hail KDP's 79th anniversary

Shafaq News

time3 hours ago

  • Shafaq News

Iraq's leaders hail KDP's 79th anniversary

Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani commemorated, on Saturday, the 79th anniversary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). In a statement, al-Sudani highlighted the party's role since its founding in 1946, noting its resistance to dictatorship and contributions to building democratic governance. He urged continued cooperation to strengthen national achievements. In turn, al-Mashhadani underscored the KDP's sacrifices in pursuit of freedom, justice, and pluralism, describing it as a cornerstone of Iraq's political system and an essential partner in sustaining stability. Currently led by Masoud Barzani, the KDP is the dominant force in the Kurdistan Regional Government, holding 39 seats in the Kurdish Parliament. Nationally, it is also a significant player, with 31 seats in the Iraqi Parliament.

Iraq's Security Chief defends Iran border memorandum
Iraq's Security Chief defends Iran border memorandum

Shafaq News

time4 hours ago

  • Shafaq News

Iraq's Security Chief defends Iran border memorandum

Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq's National Security Adviser Qassim al-Araji met US Chargé d'Affaires Steven Fagin on Saturday to discuss the recent border security memorandum between Baghdad and Tehran. According to a statement from the adviser's office, al-Araji outlined the document, which provides for tighter border control, anti-smuggling measures, and action against infiltration, confirming that "Iraq's policies are guided by national interests and sovereignty, while pursuing balanced relations with both regional and international partners." Fagin, in turn, reaffirmed US support for Iraq's balanced diplomacy, praised ongoing efforts to return displaced families, and noted plans for an international conference in New York to press countries to repatriate nationals from Syria's al-Hol camp. The memorandum, signed last week in Baghdad under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's sponsorship, was presented by Iraqi officials as a memorandum of understanding rather than a binding treaty. Washington rejected the deal, calling it 'inconsistent with US objectives' and harmful to Iraq's existing security institutions. Iraq countered that it is a sovereign step to strengthen stability and border security.

JOC targets ISIS remnants in Iraq's Saladin and Kirkuk
JOC targets ISIS remnants in Iraq's Saladin and Kirkuk

Shafaq News

time4 hours ago

  • Shafaq News

JOC targets ISIS remnants in Iraq's Saladin and Kirkuk

Shafaq News – Saladin / Kirkuk (Updated at 17:46) The Joint Operations Command (JOC) announced on Saturday that two airstrikes targeted ISIS remnants in Iraq's Saladin and Kirkuk provinces. According to a statement, the first strike, conducted on August 12, hit an ISIS stronghold in Wadi al-Shay, eastern Saladin, following several days of intelligence monitoring. F-16 jets destroyed the hideout and killed several militants inside. A second strike on August 14 targeted another militant location in the Kirkuk operations sector, 'advancing ongoing counterterrorism efforts.'' Later, Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service announced the capture of Salman Khudair Suleiman Dawood, one of the country's most wanted militants for his previous involvement with Al-Qaeda and later with ISIS, in an airborne operation with technical support from the US-led Global Coalition against ISIS. The arrest took place on the border between the Kirkuk and Saladin operations commands, in the Sarhaid Al-Matar area, where authorities seized weapons, communication devices, and other materials. Since the beginning of 2025, the Iraqi security forces have conducted dozens of joint operations against ISIS, killing at least 75 militants and arresting more than 50 others. According to Shafaq News data, based on sources and official statements, the first six months of the year witnessed intensive operations spanning nine provinces against the group's active networks in desert and mountainous areas, particularly in the country's north and west. The JOC confirmed at least 25 coordinated raids. Kirkuk saw the highest number of operations, followed by Saladin, Al-Anbar, Diyala, Baghdad, Maysan, Nineveh, and the Kurdistan Region province of Al-Sulaymaniyah.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store