Iran has firmly rejected a U.S. request to dissolve or integrate Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, stating that such decisions rest solely with Iraq, not external powers.

Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadegh, revealed that a recent letter from Washington, which included demands from former U.S. President Donald Trump, called for dismantling the PMF or merging it with other Iraqi security forces—an idea opposed by both Tehran and Baghdad.

Speaking to reporters, Al-e Sadegh criticized the U.S. position, emphasizing that Hashd al-Shaabi is a legally recognized military institution in Iraq that played a crucial role in the fight against ISIL.

“We reviewed the letter’s contents. While it expressed readiness for negotiations, it also contained threats,” he said, referring to Trump's communication.

The envoy stressed that Iran’s talks with the U.S. will remain strictly focused on nuclear issues, while decisions regarding Iraqi resistance groups will be made by those groups themselves.