While some parties see the law as a national entitlement to establish the rights of Popular Mobilization Fighters, others warn of attempts to obstruct its passage, and Washington has openly threatened severe sanctions against Iraq if the law is passed under the parliament dome. Earlier, the media department of the Iraqi Parliament reported that parliament would resume its sessions mid-week for three days (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday), but the announced agenda did not include it. Iraqi MP Mohammed Al-Shammari told Sputnik, “The law faces several challenges,” noting that “some international forces, including the United States and Britain, are exerting pressure to prevent its passage in the current parliamentary session.” He pointed out that “some forces are trying to delay the law to the next parliamentary session,” but stressed that they are “determined to pass it in this session.” According to Al-Bazouni’s conversation with Sputnik, “The law represents a small token of gratitude to this segment,” which he described as having “sacrificed their lives for the nation,” affirming that “the will of the deputies is moving towards voting in the upcoming sessions.” The Iraqi Parliament has been in a state of stagnation since the session on August 5, 2025, following a public dispute between Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani and his deputy Mohsen Al-Mandalawi over the right to manage the session, which resulted in the disruption of subsequent sessions dedicated to discussing important laws, including this law, amid political blocs’ preoccupations with election preparations. According to statements, the number of signatories has exceeded 100 deputies, and the request will be submitted to the presidency of the council to set a session date and inform members of their attendance. Meanwhile, Iraqi MP Zaynab Al-Khuzraji announces her rejection of portraying the law as a contentious issue, explaining that “similar laws, like education laws, pass naturally without stirring controversy.” She indicates that it is “the parliament’s duty to,” considering that turning it into a matter of contention is illogical. In her discussion with Sputnik, Iraqi MP Suad Al-Maliki sees that “the Popular Mobilization Law has undergone enough discussion and review, and it’s time to present it for a vote.” She also expressed her surprise at some parties attempting to delay the matter or label it as controversial, pointing out that “all laws go through the same mechanism; if a deputy is convinced, they vote; if not, they don’t vote; but the continuous stoppage.” Al-Maliki emphasized that “the law does not aim to provoke division but to protect an institution that played a crucial role in defending Iraq and its stability.” In a related development, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy published a report considering that the passage of the law would be a setback to efforts and provide a legal cover for armed factions operating outside the state framework, some of which are listed on the US terrorism lists.
