Washington Pressures Baghdad to Rein in Iran-Aligned Militias
“The Government of Iraq must ensure it has command and control of all security forces within its borders, including the PMF,” Bruce stated. “These forces must respond to Iraq’s commander-in-chief and not to Iran.”
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The U.S. Department of State has called on the Iraqi government to assert full control over its security forces, warning that the presence of Iran-aligned groups within Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) threatens the country’s sovereignty and stability.
During a press briefing in Washington, D.C., on March 24, Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce underscored the need for Iraq to ensure all security forces within its borders operate under the command of the Iraqi government rather than foreign influences.
“To strengthen Iraq’s sovereignty, the Government of Iraq must ensure it has command and control of all security forces within its borders, including the PMF,” Bruce stated. “These forces must respond to Iraq’s commander-in-chief and not to Iran.”
The remarks come amid rising tensions over the role of Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, which have been accused of undermining state authority and engaging in activities that contribute to regional instability. Some factions within the PMF are designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. and have been linked to attacks against American personnel and interests in the region.
“We are also concerned that these Iran-aligned groups within the PMF, including designated foreign terrorist organizations, engage in violent and destabilizing activities in Iraq,” Bruce added. “We continue to urge the Iraqi Government to rein in these groups and hold them accountable for breaking Iraqi law.”
The U.S. has frequently expressed frustration over Baghdad’s inability or unwillingness to curb the influence of these militias, which operate with significant autonomy despite being formally integrated into Iraq’s security apparatus. Washington has also reiterated its commitment to protecting American personnel stationed in Iraq, particularly in the wake of repeated militia attacks targeting U.S. facilities.
“The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he has made it clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Bruce affirmed.
The issue of Iran’s influence in Iraq remains a contentious topic in U.S.-Iraq relations, with Washington viewing Tehran-backed groups as a significant obstacle to Iraqi sovereignty. The latest statement signals continued U.S. pressure on Baghdad to take decisive action against these militias, a move that could have far-reaching implications for Iraq’s security landscape and regional geopolitics.