Media: Former CIA chief drafting plan on Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi

Former CIA Director David Petraeus is reportedly preparing a policy document focused on the future of Iraq’s powerful paramilitary umbrella group, Hashd al-Shaabi, according to sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat.

The proposal, which is said to be intended for submission to the White House via US special envoy Thomas Barrack, outlines possible measures aimed at restructuring or effectively dismantling elements of the organisation.

According to the report, Petraeus has consulted Iraqi officials directly to develop what are described as “practical and realistic” recommendations. Among the options reportedly being considered are the transfer of medium and heavy weaponry to a trusted state security body, as well as the removal of individuals accused of involvement in attacks against US forces and their regional partners.

The issue is expected to feature in potential discussions between Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and US President Donald Trump during a possible visit to Washington next month.

Washington is also said to have rejected earlier Iraqi proposals to formally integrate Hashd al-Shaabi into the state security structure, viewing such steps as an attempt to legitimise the group without meaningful reform.

Regional dynamics further complicate the situation, with reports alleging that commanders within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) are encouraging affiliated Iraqi factions to resist any moves towards restructuring or disbandment.

Hashd al-Shaabi, formed in 2014 and comprising a coalition of predominantly Shiite armed groups, is estimated to include around 200,000 fighters. The organisation is widely reported to maintain close ties with Iran, though its degree of direct control remains disputed among analysts and regional observers.

Officials and armed group sources quoted in the report warn that any attempt to forcibly dissolve or restructure the network could risk deep internal fractures and wider political instability in Iraq, noting that significant legislative action in the Iraqi parliament would likely be required for any formal disbandment.

By Aghakazim Guliyev