Reading the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Update — August 26, 2026

The Core Issue: the Attempt to Bring the PMF under Control

Against this increasingly tense Iranian backdrop, the report highlights a dangerous internal Iraqi development: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s attempt to implement a fundamental reform of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

The report portrays the move as an attempt to strengthen al-Zaidi’s personal authority—but one with significant regional and international implications.

Key Points Raised by the Report on Iraq:

1. Restructuring the PMF

• Al-Zaidi has reactivated the office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, placing the PMF under his direct authority.

• The PMF legislation was amended after the original draft had been withdrawn by former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani in 2025 under U.S. pressure. The revised draft:

Removes provisions that could allow the PMF to function as a competitor to the Iraqi Army.

Sets the retirement age at 60, potentially forcing senior figures such as Faleh al-Fayyad into retirement.

Allows al-Zaidi to appoint officers from the Iraqi Army and Counter Terrorism Service to senior positions within the PMF.

Seeks to disperse fighters in order to break up what the report describes as the “factional blocs” associated with Iran-backed militias.

2. 🇺🇸 U.S. Objectives

• According to the report, these reforms align with Washington’s objective of disarming militias, particularly by removing heavy and strategic weapons from the PMF, and ending attacks against U.S. interests.

• Al-Zaidi reportedly discussed the legislation with U.S. officials during his visit to Washington in July 2026, securing political backing to pressure the factions within the PMF.

3. ⚠️ Domestic Obstacle: the Iraqi Parliament

• The Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee includes lawmakers affiliated with Iran-backed militia wings—what the report characterizes as political blocs supporting the resistance—making passage of the legislation extremely difficult.

• These lawmakers are expected to oppose any attempt to reduce the privileges and influence of senior PMF commanders.