US to designate Iraqi PMF as terrorist group

The Trump administration has informed the Iraqi government of its intention to formally designate the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) as a terrorist organization. The PMF is an umbrella group of predominantly Iran-backed Shiite militias that is officially part of Iraq's security forces. This move would significantly escalate U.S. pressure on Iran's network of regional proxies and could complicate U.S.-Iraqi military and diplomatic relations. The designation would subject the PMF to severe U.S. sanctions and potentially open its members to legal and military targeting.