Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF – Hashd Shaabi) Chief Faleh Al-Fayyad said Thursday that Iraq is entering a new phase of political and security stability following the withdrawal of US forces, stressing that the issue of weapons regulation must be addressed without military action.
“The departure of US forces is a cause for celebration for any patriotic citizen who desires stability in Iraq,” Al-Fayyad said in a televised interview, adding that Baghdad must now restructure its relations with other countries in line with its national interests.
Al-Fayyad said Iraq’s current security and economic challenges could provide an opportunity to enter “a new era,” emphasizing that political differences do not require conflict or hostility with any party.
The head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Faleh al-Fayyad:
— Wladimir van Wilgenburg (@vvanwilgenburg) August 19, 2026
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) is not an Iraqi version of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the factions are not his responsibility, despite the overlap between the two.
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Meanwhile, he affirmed that the Popular Mobilization Forces do not have the authority to decide on war and that they are committed to the directives of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, emphasizing that the Prime Minister is responsible for all those who have taken up arms in defense of the nation.
At the same time, he called for a restructuring of the weapons issue according to regulations that are inclusive of all, warning that addressing this issue by force could lead to confrontation, while stressing that weapons will ultimately be under the control of the state.
Al-Fayyad paused to address the attacks on the PMF, pointing to the martyrdom of at least one hundred of its fighters and the injury of many others during the bombing of dozens of the Hashd’s headquarters during the war on Iran.
“The PMF will not hesitate to protect its fighters and headquarters, and will take whatever measures are necessary, legally and religiously, to defend them,” he vowed.
Addressing speculation over his position, Al-Fayyad said: “No one can remove me from my post except the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”
Source: Al-Manar English Website