Iraq’s government approved a draft PMF Law on Tuesday, sending the legislation to parliament for constitutional consideration. The Council of Ministers approved the draft during its 21st regular session, marking another step toward regulating the Popular Mobilization Forces. The decision now allows parliament to begin reviewing the proposed legislation through the formal legislative process. Meanwhile, officials have continued discussions over provisions concerning the PMF Commission’s structure and personnel regulations.
Earlier, informed sources said two amended drafts had moved closer to parliamentary referral after several disputed provisions were removed. The changes reportedly addressed provisions that had faced what the sources described as a US veto. However, the sources also said some provisions within the two drafts continued to face US objections. Consequently, authorities decided to refer the final versions to parliament, where lawmakers will begin the formal review process.
The PMF Law discussions cover the structure of the PMF Commission alongside its service and retirement arrangements. These areas have remained central to efforts to establish clearer rules governing the organization and its personnel. Furthermore, the amendments followed negotiations over provisions that had generated disagreement during the drafting process. The latest government decision therefore moves the issue from executive discussions toward parliamentary consideration and potential legislative approval.
The government’s decision comes as Iraqi authorities continue efforts to strengthen state institutions and organize security-related legislation. At the same time, the proposed legislation remains connected to broader discussions about the legal framework governing the PMF. Parliament will now have the opportunity to examine the draft, debate its provisions and consider any further amendments. The process will ultimately determine the legislation’s final form and implementation framework.
Separately, the Council of Ministers addressed efforts to recover Iraqi funds obtained through illicit means. During the same session, ministers voted to establish a committee responsible for coordinating with Jordanian authorities. The committee will work toward creating a joint team to develop a shared framework for recovering Iraqi funds held in Jordan.
The proposed coordination will also address outstanding Iraqi debts under the terms of the Paris Club agreement. Authorities said the process should protect Iraq’s legal rights while establishing a coordinated approach with the Jordanian side. In addition, the proposed joint framework aims to organize discussions surrounding financial recovery and outstanding obligations between the two countries.
The government’s decision places the PMF Law within a wider session focused on legal, security and financial matters. Nevertheless, the PMF legislation represents the most significant legislative development concerning the Popular Mobilization Forces during the session. Parliament will now determine how lawmakers handle the draft and whether additional amendments emerge during deliberations.
The referral also shifts responsibility toward parliament after the government completed its review of the amended text. Lawmakers can now examine the remaining provisions and consider the concerns surrounding specific sections. At the same time, parliamentary discussions could provide an opportunity to address outstanding disagreements before any final vote.
For now, the PMF Law has advanced from the Council of Ministers to Iraq’s parliament for further consideration. The next stage will depend on parliamentary discussions, proposed amendments and the constitutional legislative process. The government’s approval therefore marks a formal step forward, while the final outcome remains subject to parliamentary review and voting.
