Al-Fayyad: Hashd al-Shaabi Leaders Are a Red Line — No Foreign Dictates for Iraq

Al-Fayyad: Hashd al-Shaabi Leaders Are a Red Line — No Foreign Dictates for Iraq

The Chairman of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Faleh al-Fayyad, affirmed that PMF leaders are respected by the Iraqi people, stressing that Iraq will not accept any foreign dictates or pressure targeting its leadership or security institutions.

Al-Fayyad added that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi understands the role of the PMF and the missions entrusted to it, reaffirming the continued recognition of the role played by the PMF within Iraq’s security establishment.

The message is clear:

The PMF is part of Iraq’s security establishment, and its leadership is not a bargaining chip in the hands of any foreign power.

Al-Fayyad’s statements come amid mounting external pressure and interference in Iraqi affairs, particularly following the arrest of Abbas al-Yaqoubi, the Director of Intelligence of the Baghdad Belt Operations within the PMF, followed by his release and full acquittal. The episode reinforces the message that Iraq’s security and sovereign decisions must remain Iraqi—not American, nor subordinate to any foreign party.

Iraq’s sovereignty is not up for negotiation, and any attempt to impose dictates on Baghdad will face clear Iraqi rejection.