Based on an analysis of 473 Facebook posts trending on May 15, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives circulating in Iraq. The most prominent conversations centered on regional geopolitics, contrasting Iran’s defiant statements with the warm reception and large financial deals Donald Trump received in Gulf nations. Domestically, there was significant focus on Baghdad’s preparations for the upcoming 34th Arab Summit, including security measures and high-profile arrivals. Other major topics included widespread celebrations for FC Barcelona’s victory in the Spanish League, positive news about the reopening of the Iron and Steel Factory in Basra, and high-level political statements concerning Iraqi sovereignty.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Gulf-US Relations vs. Iran Amid Trump’s Visit

A dominant narrative contrasted the warm reception and massive financial deals for former US President Donald Trump in Gulf countries with Iran’s defiant posture. Ahmed Althawaq (Post Impact: 100%) highlighted a statement from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who claimed, “Iran forced Washington to negotiate,” contrasting this with Gulf leaders who “sell and buy with their religion and creed.” Similarly, Ahmed AlHamdani – احمد الحمداني (Post Impact: 4%) framed the visit as a “mirror” revealing the gap between the prosperity of Iran’s neighbors and the suffering of its people. The economic dimension was emphasized by Iraqeen W Bas – عراقيين وبس (Post Impact: 17%), which reported that the UAE plans to invest $1.4 trillion with the United States, surpassing Saudi Arabia.

2. FC Barcelona Wins 28th La Liga Title

Football fans widely celebrated FC Barcelona’s victory in the Spanish League. Pages like Al-Khwa Al-Nadifa – الخوة النظيفة (Post Impact: 49%) and Bab Al-Toob – باب الطوب (Post Impact: 4%) officially announced the team being crowned champions for the 28th time in its history. A notable angle came from Set Ashwaq Umm Al-Qanouniya – ست اشواق ام القانونية (Post Impact: 28%), which credited 17-year-old player Lamine Yamal for leading the team to the title, adding a taunting message to rivals: “My rival, I know you’re looking sideways, what, no congratulations?”

3. Baghdad Prepares to Host the 34th Arab Summit

Preparations for the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad were a major topic, with a focus on logistics and high-profile arrivals. Baghdad – بغداد (Post Impact: 9%) and Al-Qasr Al-Hukoumi – القصر الحكومي (Post Impact: 5%) shared images of the Baghdad Hall where the summit will be held. The arrival of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to participate in the summit was announced by multiple pages, including Al-Qasr Al-Hukoumi (Post Impact: 6%) and the official Government of Iraq – الحكومة العراقية (Post Impact: 3%) page, signaling the international importance of the event.

4. Late Architect Zaha Hadid Honored with AI Tribute

A viral video paid tribute to the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. The post by Set Ashwaq Umm Al-Qanouniya – ست اشواق ام القانونية (Post Impact: 86%), crediting designer Mustafa Mohammad, featured an AI-generated image of Hadid alongside her first building design in Baghdad. This creative homage to the world-renowned architect resonated strongly with the Iraqi audience, generating significant engagement and appreciation for her legacy.

5. Statements on Iraqi Governance and Sovereignty

High-level political statements on Iraqi sovereignty and governance were prominent. Min Baghdad – من بغداد (Post Impact: 42%) highlighted a firm declaration by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein: “Iraqi decision-making is made in Baghdad, not in Tehran’s hands!” The same page also reported on remarks by Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, who emphasized that “dictatorial rule will never succeed” and that Iraq cannot be governed without partnership and balance, particularly regarding the unresolved issue of salaries for the Kurdistan Region.

6. Reopening of Basra’s Iron and Steel Factory

There was positive coverage of the reopening of the Iron and Steel Factory in Basra after years of inactivity. Al-Khwa Al-Nadifa – الخوة النظيفة (Post Impact: 41%) proudly announced that Minister of Industry Khaled Battal had brought the “sound of machinery” back to the plant. Iraq Projects – مشاريع العراق (Post Impact: 3%) added that the factory, which was rehabilitated with modern Italian technology from the company Danieli, has a production capacity of 600,000 tons of rebar and other iron products annually.

7. Conflicting Narratives on Trump’s Visits to Iraq

Discussions surrounding Donald Trump’s relationship with Iraq surfaced through conflicting reports about his visits. The page Wikileaks Iraq – ويكيليكس العراق (Post Impact: 46%) claimed that Trump did not visit Iraq during his recent regional tour due to an arrest warrant issued against him. In contrast, Min Baghdad – من بغداد (Post Impact: 16%) quoted Trump recalling a past visit during his presidency, stating, “I traveled to Iraq in my first term under heavy guard without anyone knowing about it!” This created a narrative exploring both the legal and security complexities surrounding the former US president’s interactions with Iraq.

8. Officials and Public Mourn Poet Mowaffaq Mohammed

The passing of poet Mowaffaq Mohammed at the age of 78 prompted condolences from officials and the public. Khabar Ajeal – خبر عاجل (Post Impact: 6%) announced his death after a battle with illness, remembering him for poems that “sang of the love of Iraq.” The office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani issued a formal statement of condolence, shared by The Media Office of the Iraqi Prime Minister – المكتب الاعلامي لرئيس الوزراء العراقي (Post Impact: 5%), describing the late poet as an “effective embodiment of the poet who touches people’s concerns and aspirations.” MP Dr. Haider Al-Salami – النائب الدكتور حيدر السلامي (Post Impact: 8%) also offered his condolences.

9. Interior Minister Oversees Security for Arab Summit

The security preparations for the Arab Summit in Baghdad were a specific point of focus, led by the Minister of Interior, Abdul Amir al-Shammari. Maher Mohi::Sawt Humat Al-Watan – ماهر موحي::صوت حماة الوطن (Post Impact: 14%) reported that the minister had directed forces to raise the level of vigilance and readiness. The page later added that he was working “on the ground” to ensure a safe environment for Iraq’s guests. This was corroborated by The Media Office of the Minister of Interior – المكتب الإعلامي لوزير الداخلية (Post Impact: 2%), which shared footage of the minister conducting an evening tour of the capital to personally inspect security measures.

10. Baghdad’s Beautification for Summit Sparks Commentary

As Baghdad underwent beautification ahead of the Arab Summit, citizens shared mixed reactions online. Pages like Iraq Projects – مشاريع العراق (Post Impact: 4%) and Iraqeen W Bas – عراقيين وبس (Post Impact: 3%) posted positive content showcasing the preparations and the beauty of the city. However, a more critical perspective was offered by Iraqi News Center – مركز العراقي الخبري (Post Impact: 4%), which made a cynical comparison, stating, “Baghdad’s situation is like that of a messy housewife who only cleans when guests are coming.” This highlighted a public sentiment that such civic improvements should be consistent, not just for special events.