entity

Popular Mobilization Forces

Also known as: PMF, Hashd al-Shaabi, Popular Mobilization Units

Entities (4)

Hamas

Hamas

Hamas and the Popular Mobilization Forces are both identified as key members of the Iran-led 'Axis of Resistance' coalition {fact:1, fact:2, fact:8} and are frequently categorized together as non-state actors within Iran's regional proxy network {fact:4, fact:5, fact:7, fact:9}. — 9 supporting facts

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Hezbollah

Hezbollah

Hezbollah and the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi) are both identified as non-state actors supported by Iran's IRGC-QF [1] that share the strategic objective of removing U.S. forces from the Middle East [2]. They are frequently categorized together in geopolitical analysis regarding the U.S. struggle to address the regional influence and legitimacy of these groups {fact:2, fact:3}. — 8 supporting facts

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Houthi movement

Houthi movement

The Houthi movement and the Popular Mobilization Forces are both identified as key members of the Iran-led 'Axis of Resistance' coalition [1] and function as part of Iran's broader proxy network in the Middle East [2]. They are frequently grouped together as non-state actors supported by the IRGC-QF [3] that share the strategic objective of expelling U.S. forces from the region [4]. — 7 supporting facts

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Iran

Iran

Iran maintains a deep relationship with the Popular Mobilization Forces by providing training, financing, and strategic support to these groups to expand its political influence in Iraq, as detailed in [1] and [2]. Furthermore, the PMF is widely characterized as an Iranian proxy used to advance regional objectives, such as the expulsion of U.S. forces, as noted in [3] and [4]. — 4 supporting facts

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Facts (25)

Sources

Iran's Proxy Strategy and the Extent of Surrogate Autonomy - AHS alexanderhamiltonsociety.org Alexander Hamilton Society 5 facts

perspectiveThe United States should adopt a more removed approach in Iraq to allow Iraqi resentment of Iranian heavy-handedness to grow organically, while subtly supporting political parties that oppose Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) politicians and warlords.

claimIran's control of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq is best described as collaborative due to leadership changes and waning popular support.

accountDuring a visit to Iraq, Major General Esmail Ghaani gifted PMF leaders silver rings instead of the cash they expected, which was interpreted as a sign of Iran's strained cash flow.

claimMajor General Esmail Ghaani replaced Qasem Soleimani as the Iranian commander responsible for working with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq.

claimAl-Hash al-Shaabi in Iraq, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), is a deep network of Shi'a proxies supported by Iran.

The Limits of Iran's Proxy Empire | The New Yorker newyorker.com The New Yorker Mar 12, 2026 4 facts

claimThe Axis of Resistance expanded to support Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, various Iraqi Shiite militias such as the Popular Mobilization Forces, and Sunni militants including Hamas.

claimThe Axis of Resistance expanded to include support for Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, various Iraqi Shiite militias such as the Popular Mobilization Forces, and Sunni militants including Hamas.

claimThe Axis of Resistance is an informal Iran-led military coalition in the Middle East that includes Hezbollah, the Houthis, Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, various Iraqi Shiite militias like the Popular Mobilization Forces, and Sunni militants including Hamas.

claimThe Axis of Resistance coalition includes Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, various Iraqi Shiite militias such as the Popular Mobilization Forces, and Sunni militants including Hamas.

Iran at a Historical Crossroads - E-International Relations e-ir.info E-International Relations Mar 25, 2025 3 facts

measurementIraqi militias secure $3 billion annually from the Iraqi state budget, officially designated to pay 250,000 fighters in the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), though much of this funding is siphoned to activities benefiting Tehran's agenda.

claimIran's proxy network, which includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza/Palestine, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq, and the Houthi movement in Yemen, has historically functioned as a 'ring of fire' to provide strategic depth and a buffer against direct conflict on Iranian soil.

claimIran cultivated numerous Shi’a militias under the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) umbrella in Iraq to exert political influence and counter United States and Sunni forces.

War by Proxy: Iran's Growing Footprint in the Middle East - CSIS csis.org CSIS Mar 11, 2019 3 facts

accountThe Hashd al-Sha’abi is an umbrella organization of Shia militias in Iraq comprising three main groups: those loyal to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, those loyal to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, and those loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr.

claimThe primary organization loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr within the Hashd al-Sha’abi is Sarayat al-Salam (Peace Brigades), which includes Brigades 313 and 314.

claimForces supported by the IRGC-QF include Lebanese Hezbollah, the Hashd al-Sha’abi in Iraq (specifically the Badr Organization, Kata’ib Hezbollah, and Asaib Ahl al-Haq), militia forces in Syria, the Houthis in Yemen, Liwa Fatemiyoun from Afghanistan, Liwa Zainabyoun from Pakistan, and groups in Palestinian territory such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Iran's Regional Proxies: Reshaping the Middle East and ... isdp.eu Institute for Security and Development Policy Feb 27, 2024 3 facts

claimTargeting non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Hashd al Shaabi inadvertently strengthens their support and legitimacy within their communities, as evidenced by increased support for Hamas and pro-Iran militias in Iraq following recent escalations amid the war in Gaza.

perspectiveIran and its proxy groups, including Hezbollah, Kataib Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hashd al-Shaabi, share a primary objective of expelling U.S. forces from the Middle East.

claimThe U.S. has been unable to address the root causes of the popularity of non-state actors such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Hashd al Shaabi.

Iran War: Kinetic, Cyber, Electronic and Psychological Warfare ... resecurity.com Resecurity Mar 17, 2026 1 fact

claimMajor groups involved in the conflict in Iraq include the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF/Hashd al-Shaabi), Kataib Hezbollah, and other Iranian-aligned factions.

Iran's Islamist Proxies in the Middle East - Wilson Center wilsoncenter.org Ashley Lane · Wilson Center Sep 12, 2023 1 fact

accountThe Badr Organization joined the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in 2014 and served as a pivotal force fighting ISIS from 2014 to 2017.

An Integrated U.S. Strategy to Address Iran's Nuclear and Regional ... carnegieendowment.org William J. Burns, Michèle Flournoy · Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Oct 26, 2017 1 fact

perspectiveThe United States should use its influence in Baghdad to weaken the Popular Mobilization Units, which are Shia militia groups often supported by Iran, and press the Iraqi government to decommission them or integrate them into the Iraqi security forces.

Iran's 'Axis of Resistance': The proxy forces shaping Mideast conflicts latimes.com Los Angeles Times Mar 1, 2026 1 fact

claimThe Popular Mobilization Forces is an umbrella organization for mostly Shiite militias in Iraq that are technically part of the Iraqi armed forces, though some receive aid and training from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Opportunities for Collective Regional Security in the Middle East carnegieendowment.org Amr Hamzawy · Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Mar 5, 2025 1 fact

accountBy 2020, Iran's coalition included authoritarian regimes such as Bashar al-Assad's Syria and militias including Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas.

We Bombed the Wrong Target Iran's Proxy Network Strategy irregularwarfare.org Irregular Warfare Initiative Mar 10, 2026 1 fact

claimThe Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), specifically the group Kataib Hezbollah, represent Iran's deepest structural penetration of the Iraqi state.

The Iran Proxy Shield and Its Automated Axis of Resistence specialeurasia.com SpecialEurasia 7 days ago 1 fact

claimIran has exported a 'kit & assembly' industrial logic to Ansar Allah in Yemen, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, shifting logistics from smuggling finished missiles to transporting high-value, low-volume components like gyroscopes, sensors, and micro-engines.