The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a Washington-based research institute, has accused the Iraqi federal government of attempting to legitimize Iran-aligned armed groups by integrating them into the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi) and advancing legislation to solidify their status.

In a recent report, the FDD revealed that the PMF’s ranks have expanded by 20,000 members, with its budget surging to $3.5 billion. While Iraqi officials frame the move as an effort to bring weapons under state control, the FDD argues that the integration actually strengthens Iran-backed militias within Iraq’s security framework.

“After months of U.S. pressure on Iraq to disarm Iran-aligned militias, evidence suggests that more militants are being absorbed into the PMF,” the report stated. It warned that this could be a tactic to placate Washington without dismantling the groups.

Formed in 2014 to combat the Islamic State (IS), the PMF operates nominally under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s authority. However, many of its factions remain loyal to Tehran. The FDD noted that some PMF commanders have openly pledged allegiance to Iran’s Supreme Leader, with a few even threatening to overthrow the Iraqi government at his behest.

The report also highlighted concerns that the PMF serves as a vehicle for Iran’s regional ambitions, including attacks on U.S. and Israeli interests through affiliates like the so-called Islamic Resistance in Iraq.

Despite Iraqi leaders publicly endorsing state control over arms, the FDD contends that the government is reinforcing the PMF’s legal and institutional standing. Two PMF-specific draft laws were introduced in parliament this year—one withdrawn and the other stalled—but neither sought meaningful reform, the report said.

“The current Iraqi authorities are not reforming Iran-backed militias,” the FDD concluded. “Instead, they are legitimizing and entrenching Iranian influence and weaponry that have destabilized Iraq for years.”

The findings raise further questions about Iraq’s ability to curb Tehran’s sway over its security forces amid ongoing regional tensions.