Iraqi MPs Demand Government Expedite PMF Service and Retirement Law
At a Glance
- Parliament requested the draft PMF law from the government for fast-tracked enactment.
- A fact-finding committee was formed to investigate the recent joint U.S.-Saudi airstrikes.
- Lawmakers urged international court complaints, air defense upgrades, and a coalition withdrawal timeline.
Iraq’s Parliament has requested the draft PMF Service and Retirement Law for Popular Mobilization Forces members from the government for enactment and formed a fact-finding committee to investigate recent airstrikes.
Key Statement and Focus Area
- The parliamentary presidency requested the government submit the draft PMF Service and Retirement Law for enactment and formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the recent attacks on Iraq.
- Lawmakers demanded "a firm stance" from the government on recent cross-border attacks.
The Council of Representatives convened the eighth session of its second legislative term on Sunday to discuss three laws, one of which is the draft PMF Service and Retirement Law.
During the session, "a number of MPs denounced the violation of Iraqi airspace by U.S. and Saudi aircraft and the attacks that targeted headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which resulted in 17 martyrs and the injury of others."
They urged political and diplomatic measures alongside filing complaints in international courts to formally document the recent joint U.S.-Saudi attacks on the country.
Parliamentarians pressed the administration to secure international guarantees from the attacking nations to prevent further violations of Iraq’s sovereignty and security.
Lawmakers called on the International Coalition to adhere to existing agreements and exit Iraq according to established schedules.
The proposals included fast-tracking the PMF Service and Retirement Law, upgrading military hardware—especially air defenses—and providing financial compensation to families of those killed.
FYI
The PMF Service and Retirement Law is an Iraqi legislative bill designed to permanently institutionalize the Popular Mobilization Forces by standardizing administrative frameworks, ranks, pensions, and benefits to match those of the regular military.
The draft law has faced repeated delays due to internal political disagreements over leadership retirement caps and opposition from international actors concerned about the legal enshrinement of the paramilitary forces within the state architecture.
Joint U.S. and Saudi precision airstrikes targeted several Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters across Iraq on July 28–29,, resulting in at least 20 deaths and 32 injuries.
The operation was launched in response to a wave of drone incursions over a 72-hour window, which targeted U.S. regional personnel and hit Saudi Aramco petroleum infrastructure.
The Iraqi government denied using Iraqi territory to launch the original drone strikes, labeling the joint military intervention a violation of national sovereignty.
While factions such as Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba have stated an intent to launch direct military counterstrikes, the Islamic Resistance umbrella group has temporarily suspended its planned response in coordination with political leadership requests and state diplomatic efforts.
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