Based on an analysis of 463 X / Twitter posts trending on April 11, 2025, Miqrab AI found that the primary narratives in Iraq revolved around geopolitical tensions, domestic security crises, and competing historical accounts. The most prominent discussion centered on the anticipated US-Iran nuclear negotiations, with users expressing deep skepticism and predicting significant concessions from Tehran. Another major focus was the changing political landscape in Syria, highlighted by the diplomatic activities of leader Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Antalya Forum, which drew both praise and sharp criticism. Domestically, conversations were dominated by severe sectarian undertones, fueled by debates over the historical legacy of the battle for Fallujah, the anniversary of Saddam’s overthrow, and alarming reports of sectarian violence and persecution in cities like Samarra.

Today’s Top 10 X (Twitter) Trends in Iraq:

1. Intense Speculation on US-Iran Nuclear Negotiations

A dominant topic of conversation was the impending nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, with many commentators predicting a humiliating outcome for Tehran. Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali/My Word for History (Post Impact: 52%) sarcastically suggested that Iran’s long-held secret dream of a “Shiite nuclear bomb” to balance Pakistan’s “Sunni nuclear bomb” would be dashed. In another post, Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali (Post Impact: 55%) stated that the US would simply ask the Iranians one question: “‘Have you taken them off? Or are you still wearing them?’” implying a demand for total disarmament before talks could proceed. This skepticism was echoed by Salim Al-Jamili (Post Impact: 28%), who questioned the peaceful claims of Iran’s nuclear program by pointing to its deep underground facilities and uranium enrichment levels of 60%. Citing a report from the New York Times, Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 16%) added that top Iranian officials had pressured Supreme Leader Khamenei into negotiations, warning that failure to do so could risk military strikes and the collapse of the regime.

2. Syrian Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Antalya Forum

The appearance of Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly Abu Mohammad al-Jolani) at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum generated significant and varied reactions. On one side, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani (Post Impact: 29%) reported on a meeting with al-Sharaa, commending his “inclusive approach” and “dedication to regional peace and security.” This diplomatic framing was also seen in posts from Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 18%) and Mashaan al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 14%), who shared a clip of al-Sharaa stating he may visit Iraq soon. Conversely, other accounts were highly critical of his perceived rebranding. Haydar (Post Impact: 44%) and Sufian Al-Samarrai (Post Impact: 15%) lambasted al-Sharaa for bringing his wife to the forum and having her sit among men, an act they portrayed as a hypocritical departure from his past extremist ideology, labeling it “disgusting Islamist hypocrisy.”

3. Clashing Narratives Over the Battle of Fallujah and 2003 Invasion

A fierce online debate erupted over historical narratives surrounding the 2003 US invasion and the battle of Fallujah, exposing deep sectarian divisions. Abdulrazzaq Al-Hiyali (Post Impact: 37%) aggressively refuted claims that Shiites fought against American forces in Fallujah, calling it a “lie” and asserting that this honor belongs exclusively to Sunnis. This view was supported by Aayad Al Twfan (Post Impact: 12%), who praised the city for its resistance. In a direct rebuttal, Issam Hussein (Post Impact: 19%) presented a counter-narrative, arguing that it was the Baathist regime of Saddam Hussein that collaborated with the US in the “Safwan tent” agreement to crush the Shiite uprising. He questioned how Shiites could be accused of bringing in the Americans when they led a fierce resistance against the occupation, while accusing their opponents of targeting Shiite civilians with car bombs instead of the occupying forces.

4. Security Crisis and Sectarian Fears in Samarra

Multiple accounts voiced alarm over a severe security crisis in the city of Samarra, linking a series of violent crimes to sectarian motives. The abduction and murder of a young man named Ziyad Tariq became a focal point of outrage. Omar Al-Janabi (Post Impact: 12%) described the incident as shaking any honorable society, noting the victim’s body was found with signs of acid torture. Tamara Alkhazraji (Post Impact: 8%) explicitly blamed the “terrorist Saraya al-Salam militia” for the crime. Othman Al-Mukhtar (Post Impact: 10%) contextualized these events as part of a dangerous pattern of “murder, kidnapping, and demographic change with sectarian motives,” drawing parallels to past events in Diyala. The posts also included sharp criticism of local political representatives, such as by Mustafa Al-Dulaimi (Post Impact: 6%), for their perceived silence and inaction.

5. Kurdish Regional Government’s Diplomatic Engagements

Leaders from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq were prominently featured conducting high-level diplomatic meetings with international partners. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani (Post Impact: 26%) described a “very productive meeting” with Turkish President Erdoğan, where he advocated for reviving the peace process with the PKK. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (Post Impact: 12%) reported discussions with US Senator Marco Rubio, stressing the need to resume the region’s oil exports and strengthen bilateral ties. Adding to the diplomatic activity, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani (Post Impact: 10%) met with the Greek Foreign Minister to discuss enhancing relations in areas such as trade and tourism, including the possibility of a new flight route between Slemani and Athens.

6. Call to Identify Alleged Former ISIS Executioner

Garnering the highest engagement of any single post, Sufian Al-Samarrai (Post Impact: 100%) published a photograph of an unidentified man and asked the public for help in identifying him. The post made a serious allegation, claiming the individual was a “terrorist” who, during his time with ISIS, was responsible for “mass executions against the Kurds.” The direct question, “Do you know him?,” transformed the post into a public appeal for information, sparking a massive wave of interaction and discussion as users engaged with the call to identify a person accused of heinous war crimes.

7. Commemorating the Anniversary of Saddam Hussein’s Overthrow

The anniversary of the fall of Saddam Hussein’s Baathist regime was a notable topic, with several accounts marking the occasion from an anti-regime perspective. The account Wasan Al-Shaikhli (Post Impact: 29%) posted a message celebrating the “anniversary of the fall of the fallen family.” In a separate post with high engagement, the same account shared an image of the former dictator accompanied by a derogatory comment. Meanwhile, Haydar (Post Impact: 13%) shared an archival video from the period of the regime’s collapse, reflecting on the historical moment. These posts collectively highlighted a continued focus on remembering the events of 2003 as a pivotal and positive turning point for segments of Iraqi society opposed to the former regime.

8. Allegations of Widespread Imprisonment of Sunni Men

A significant narrative circulating on the platform centered on the alleged persecution of Sunnis by the Iraqi government. Hiba Alnnayib (Post Impact: 28%) made the explosive claim that the “Jafari framework government imprisons 100,000 Sunni men.” The post included a video of a young man sharing his story, which the account described as one of “hundreds of fictional stories they made up about young people to throw them in prisons and accuse them of the most heinous crimes.” This narrative of systematic Sunni victimization stands in stark contrast to views expressed by accounts like Issam Hussein (Post Impact: 23%), who presented an alternative history of Sunni aggression against minorities such as the Yazidis, thereby justifying the actions of the current government and its allied forces.

9. Contrasting Shiite Historical Narratives and Morality

A distinct Shiite-centric narrative emerged from several accounts, focusing on themes of historical morality and the need for sectarian solidarity. Issam Hussein (Post Impact: 23%) articulated a “social and moral difference” between Shiites and others, contrasting the peaceful coexistence of Shiites and Sabeans in Amarah with what he described as the violent actions of Sunnis against the Yazidis. He claimed that southern Shiites, including pilot Majid al-Tamimi, sacrificed their lives to save the Yazidis from ISIS. Similarly, Ahmed Abdul Sada (Post Impact: 7%) issued a call for all Shiites to stand in solidarity with the Alawites in Syria, whom he views as the first target in a broader regional project to “target and uproot all Shiites.”

10. Allegations of Qais Khazali’s Ties to Americans

Posts questioning the anti-American credentials of Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq militia, gained traction. Hiba Alnnayib (Post Impact: 14%) shared a video clip claiming to provide evidence that Khazali is a “friend of the Americans.” This allegation was supported by Othman Al-Mukhtar (Post Impact: 4%), who highlighted a letter from 2004 in which a US Army Lieutenant Colonel allegedly apologized to Khazali’s followers. Al-Mukhtar commented that, “unlike other militia leaders, Khazali has direct communication channels with the Americans and it is clear that he has reactivated them again!” These posts collectively aim to portray Khazali as hypocritical and secretly collaborating with the forces he publicly denounces.