Peregraf
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Iraq, Irfan Siddiq, to formally protest remarks on the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) that it deemed “contrary to diplomatic norms” and an interference in the country’s internal affairs.
In a meeting at the ministry’s headquarters, Undersecretary for Bilateral Affairs Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom expressed Iraq’s “deep concern” over Siddiq’s August 8 comments opposing proposed legislation on the PMF, known locally as Hashd al-Shaabi. Al-Uloom stressed that such statements violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which requires diplomats to respect host country laws and avoid internal interference.
The ministry urged Siddiq to refrain from similar remarks and to focus on strengthening bilateral ties “through constructive communication and mutual respect.”
The controversy stems from Siddiq’s televised interview in which he aligned London’s stance with Washington’s opposition to the PMF bill. The ambassador said the PMF’s mission ended with the defeat of ISIS and that Iraq no longer required its role. “This clearly shows that the PMF’s role, in this context, has also ended,” he said, noting Baghdad’s own call to end the International Coalition’s mission.
The UK position echoes U.S. concerns that the bill could entrench Iran-backed factions, expand Tehran’s influence, and threaten Iraq’s sovereignty. On Aug. 5, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce warned the legislation would “institutionalize armed groups” linked to attacks on U.S. personnel and undermine Iraq’s security institutions.
The debate over the PMF’s future comes amid heightened scrutiny of Iran-aligned militias following a deadly July 27 incident at Baghdad’s Karkh Agriculture Department. A government investigation accused Kataib Hezbollah’s 45th and 46th PMF Brigades of storming the facility without authorization, killing three people and injuring others.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has since approved sweeping measures, including dismissing the brigade commanders, probing senior PMF leadership, and referring the perpetrators to court. The findings also alleged corruption and collusion between the facility’s former director and the armed group.
Washington and Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework both condemned the July attack, which has amplified calls for tighter control over militias operating under the PMF umbrella.