ERBIL — President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to impose sanctions on Iraq following his inauguration next week, citing the country’s continued ties with Iran, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The looming sanctions come as Iraq’s Coordination Framework, a key alliance of Shia political groups, faces internal disagreements over the future of the pro-Iran Hashd al-Shaabi, also known as Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).
The Coordination Framework denied reports that its recent meetings included discussions on merging the PMF with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense or disbanding the force. “Claims that the withdrawal of PMF from certain areas or their integration into the Ministry of Defense was discussed are false and baseless,” the alliance said in a statement.
However, local Iraqi media, including Al-Mada newspaper, reported that the Framework had considered “unifying” PMF factions, including groups affiliated with the so-called Iraqi Resistance Front. Sources suggest that while the PMF will neither be disbanded nor fully integrated into the Iraqi army, discussions within the Shia alliance have revealed differing opinions on the group’s future role, particularly amid Western pressures.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s ongoing visit to the UK is expected to include talks on the PMF and Iraq’s armed factions. Analysts say the visit underscores efforts to address international concerns over Iraq’s security policies and its alignment with Iran.
The PMF, a coalition of predominantly Shiite paramilitary groups, has been a focal point of US criticism due to its perceived ties to Tehran. The possibility of sanctions by the incoming Trump administration adds further urgency to resolving Iraq’s internal disagreements over the group’s structure and operations.
The PMF has played a significant role in Iraq’s fight against the Islamic State (IS) but remains a contentious issue in Baghdad’s domestic and international relations, especially with Washington.