Joe Wilson, a Republican congressman from the U.S. House of Representatives, accused the Iraqi government of being under the influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran after posting images of Popular Mobilization Forces crossing over the U.S. flag.

Wilson wrote on the social network X: “The Popular Mobilization Forces, a formal part of Iraq’s state security forces, are seen disrespecting the U.S. flag and praising the Iranian government.”

He added: “If you needed more evidence that Iraq is a province of Iran... is that what you think about America? Free Iraq from Iranian influence.”

The Popular Mobilization Forces are officially part of Iraq’s security structure, but they include a number of powerful groups supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran that have long-standing political and military ties with Tehran.

Wilson has previously also criticized the influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iran-backed groups within Iraq’s political and security structures, and called for limiting the role of these groups.