Miqrab AI analyzed a total of 388 Facebook posts trending in Iraq on April 1, 2025, revealing a landscape dominated by political controversy and regional security concerns. The most engaging topic was Prime Minister Mohammed Shias’ Al Sudani’s phone call to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which drew widespread criticism and debate. This was followed by significant attention on the buildup of US military forces in the Middle East. Concurrently, domestic conversations centered on the dual celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and the ancient Assyrian New Year, Akitu, reflecting Iraq’s cultural diversity. Other key narratives included international sports news, messages from top religious figures, and local security incidents.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. PM Sudani’s Eid Call to Syrian President Sparks Controversy

A phone call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shias’ Al Sudani to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to offer Eid al-Fitr congratulations became the most debated topic of the day. The page Haider Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 100%) strongly criticized the move, posting a video with the caption, “Sorry, Harith al-Sudani and his fellow martyrs… Has the page of the martyrs’ blood been turned, Mr. Prime Minister?” In contrast, Al-Khawa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 37%) reported the news factually, stating the call affirmed Iraq’s “firm support for Syria,” its rejection of “Zionist encroachment,” and joint cooperation against terrorism. Meanwhile, Mustafa Sanad – Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 23%) commented sarcastically, “Turns out we were the ones who called, and Daesh was not mentioned in the subject!”

2. Iraqi Army Aviation Celebrates Eid al-Fitr with Flower Drop

Celebrations for Eid al-Fitr were prominently featured across Iraqi Facebook pages, highlighted by a widely shared video from Daem Al-Quwwat Al-Amniya Al-Iraqiya (Post Impact: 86%) showing Iraqi Army Aviation helicopters dropping flowers from the sky as a festive gesture to the public. The post wished citizens a happy Eid and garnered significant positive engagement. In a similar holiday spirit, public figures shared their own celebrations, with Aziz Nasser – Aziz Nasser (Post Impact: 8%) posting a video of his visits to various tribal leaders’ guesthouses to exchange greetings and celebrate the occasion with them.

3. US Bolsters Military Presence in the Middle East

Multiple pages reported on a significant buildup of US military forces in the Middle East. Steven Nabil :: Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 23%) posted an urgent update from the US Department of Defense regarding the transfer of additional air squadrons and military aircraft to the region. The report specifically mentioned the redirection of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group to the area. Providing more detail, Rusly Al-Maliki – رسلي المالكي (Post Impact: 7%) and Ahmed AlHamdani – احمد الحمداني (Post Impact: 5%) elaborated on the military movements, noting that the USS Harry S. Truman strike group’s deployment would also be extended, effectively increasing the total number of US combat aircraft in the region to nearly 290.

4. Real Madrid Advances to Copa del Rey Final

Sports fans on Iraqi Facebook celebrated Real Madrid’s victory over Real Sociedad, securing their spot in the final of the Copa del Rey. Al-Khawa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 28%) announced the result, stating that Real Madrid won with an aggregate score of 5-4. Similarly, Iraqeen W Bas – عراقيين وبس (Post Impact: 8%) described the match as one that “held the breath of Madrid fans,” celebrating the team’s qualification for the final. The news was also shared by Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 2%).

5. Iraq Celebrates Ancient Akitu Holiday

Alongside Eid al-Fitr, Iraqis also celebrated Akitu, the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year. Pages like Al-Khawa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 17%) informed followers that Assyrians, Syriacs, and Chaldeans were celebrating what is considered the oldest festival known to humanity. Official congratulations were also extended, with the Raesat Arkan Al-Jaish Al-Iraqi (Post Impact: 8%) page sharing a message from Chief of Staff Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah. Prime Minister Al Sudani’s office, via Al-Maktab Al-I’elami li Ra’is Al-Wuzara’ Al-Iraqi (Post Impact: 3%), noted the holiday’s concurrence with Eid and emphasized the importance of diversity and coexistence under the banner of a unified Iraq.

6. Ayatollah Sistani Delivers Message of Hope to Iraqis

A message attributed to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani circulated on several pages, offering reassurance about the country’s future. Al-Qasr Al-Hukoumi (Post Impact: 16%) summarized the message into three points: the importance of Shiite cultural heritage, an affirmation that Iraq is on a path to recovery, and a call to adhere to authentic Iraqi values. Tele Iraq – تيلي عراق (Post Impact: 2%) highlighted the key quote from the message, stating: “Iraq, God willing, ‘is recovering’ in the coming days, so do not ‘be afraid’.”

7. Pages Warn of Impending Rain and Dust Storms

News pages issued weather alerts warning of an approaching low-pressure system expected to impact Iraq. Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 9%) and Markaz Al-Iraqi Al-Khabari (Post Impact: 4%) both posted urgent notices that the system would begin affecting the country “tonight.” The posts forecasted rainfall and the potential for rising dust, prompting followers to prepare for the changing weather conditions. Other pages like Nafs Iraq (Post Impact: 2%) echoed the same warning.

8. Armed Group Attacks Politician Hayder al-Mulla’s Office

A developing security incident in Baghdad caught the attention of several pages, focusing on an attack on the office of politician Hayder al-Mulla. Khan Jaghan (Post Impact: 7%) published surveillance footage showing an armed group in government vehicles storming the office. The page claimed the attack followed a heated exchange of insults and threats in a private political WhatsApp group between al-Mulla and former Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi. An update from Khabar Ajel (Post Impact: 3%), attributed to Baghdad Operations Command, stated that the attackers had been identified and had turned themselves in to authorities in Mansour.

9. PM Al-Sudani’s Official Communications on Eid

The Prime Minister’s official media office was active in sharing updates on his diplomatic and official activities during Eid al-Fitr. The Al-Maktab Al-I’elami li Ra’is Al-Wuzara’ Al-Iraqi (Post Impact: 3%) page reported a phone call between Prime Minister Al Sudani and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, where they exchanged holiday greetings and Al Sudani affirmed Iraq’s rejection of any threats against Iran. In a separate post, the Al-Maktab Al-I’elami li Ra’is Al-Wuzara’ Al-Iraqi (Post Impact: 4%) announced that the Prime Minister had also extended his condolences to former Iraqi President Barham Salih on the death of his brother.

10. Alleged Extremist Attack on Akitu Celebrations in Duhok

Reports emerged of a sectarian attack targeting Assyrian Christians celebrating the Akitu holiday. Muna Sami (Post Impact: 5%) posted about the incident, claiming an extremist from Syria attacked celebrants in what she described as an act reflecting a “filthy ISIS-like mentality.” She asserted that this extremist ideology was “imported” and not reflective of Iraqi Sunnis, expressing solidarity with the Christian community. A related video posted by Ammar Al-Hilfi (Post Impact: 2%) reportedly shows the moment the alleged attacker was arrested by security forces in Duhok.