Based on an analysis of 631 X/Twitter posts conducted by Miqrab AI on May 15, 2025, the primary narrative circulating in Iraq revolves around former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tour of Gulf nations, particularly the United Arab Emirates. This visit is widely portrayed in a negative light, with many users describing the warm reception by Gulf leaders as a “humiliation” and focusing critically on the massive financial deals involved, which are often framed as “payments” or “tribute.” This conversation contrasts sharply with discussions about domestic Iraqi issues, including outrage over the failing healthcare system, exemplified by a viral video from Basra, and calls for employment from Iraqi engineers. Concurrently, the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad is a significant topic, sparking debates about Iraq’s sovereignty, Iranian influence, and diplomatic tensions, such as a reported withdrawal by the UAE delegation. Other trending conversations include criticism of an Iraqi parliamentarian’s response to Trump, praise for the development models of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and the mourning of Iraqi poet Mowaffaq Mohammed.

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

1. Trump’s Gulf Tour Sparks Outrage and Criticism

Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE and other Gulf countries dominated Iraqi social media, with numerous accounts framing it as a moment of shame for Arab leaders. The most impactful post from Wasan Al-Shaikhli (Post Impact: 100%) shared a video of women dancing to welcome Trump in the UAE, commenting, “Arab Sunni girls dance to receive the crusader Trump, what a humiliation this is.” Many posts focused on the financial aspect of the trip, characterizing it as Trump “milking” the Gulf states. Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 49%) detailed the trillions of dollars allegedly taken by Trump from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE in exchange for compliments, stating the Gulf leaders received nothing but the word “handsome” while Trump “took from them the handsomeness of trillions.” This sentiment was echoed by Abu Darndesh Al-Askari (Post Impact: 15%), who shared a video illustrating “Trump’s mentality with the donkeys of the Gulf.” The reception by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed was also highlighted by accounts like Haidar (Post Impact: 20%).

2. Poor Healthcare in Basra Exposed by Viral Video

A video showing a patient being transported in the back of a pickup truck in Basra has triggered widespread anger and criticism of Iraq’s healthcare system. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 72%) shared the clip with the sarcastic caption, “Transporting a patient in a pickup truck in Basra. How far we are from humiliation.” The post suggests a deep sense of failure and indignity in the state of public services. Another account, Salam Al-Husseini (Post Impact: 3%), directly blamed the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, pointing out the irony that Sudani had recently claimed to have made a “radical change in the health sector” that citizens were beginning to feel. The video serves as a stark symbol of the gap between official statements and the reality for ordinary citizens.

3. MP Alyaa Nassif Mocked for Her Response to Trump

Iraqi Member of Parliament Alyaa Nassif became the subject of ridicule after she posted a lengthy response to Donald Trump’s reported criticism of Baghdad. In her post, MP Alyaa Nassif (Post Impact: 26%) defended the city’s beauty and history, blaming U.S. policies for any delays in development and sarcastically offering to send Iraqi engineering teams to fix the sewage system in Baltimore. However, her response was widely mocked by other users. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 10%) wrote a satirical post questioning why Nassif had blocked him, sarcastically praising her as a brilliant political mind comparable to Margaret Thatcher and known throughout the White House. Similarly, Hussam Alhaj (Post Impact: 7%) commented on her “stinging and painful attack on Trump,” wryly adding, “Today Trump won’t sleep.”

4. Controversy Surrounds Arab Summit in Baghdad

The upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad is a major topic of discussion, with posts highlighting both diplomatic tensions and questions of Iraqi sovereignty. According to Haidar (Post Impact: 24%), the Emirati delegation reportedly left their hotel in Baghdad, refusing to participate if Sudanese President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan attended, citing disputes between the two countries. In contrast, another post by Haidar (Post Impact: 7%), citing a government advisor, claimed that the Saudi Crown Prince, the Emir of Qatar, and the UAE President had all confirmed their high-level attendance. However, the summit has also drawn criticism, with Hiba Alnnaayib (Post Impact: 5%) arguing that attendance legitimizes a “state ruled by militias” and questioning why the Popular Mobilization Forces, whom she calls “wanted on terrorism charges,” are providing security.

5. Users Praise Gulf Leadership, Criticize Iraq

Several users contrasted the perceived progress and leadership in Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with the situation in Iraq. Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 28%) urged Iraqis to abandon “intellectualism” and turn to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he describes as having successfully seized the initiative to lead the Middle East. He argues that Iraq must align with the “strong in the Arab region” to live like human beings and stop being a proxy battleground. Similarly, Mustafa Al-Dulaimi (Post Impact: 7%) praised the UAE’s rapid development over 50 years, highlighting its global status in tourism, investment, and economy, asking Iraqi leaders, “When will you learn how countries are built and developed, you followers?” The narrative suggests a deep admiration for the Gulf model and frustration with Iraq’s political class.

6. Engineers Demand Government Action on Employment

A highly engaged post by Firas W. Alsarray – Firas Al-Sarray (Post Impact: 78%) issued a “Call of Iraq’s Engineers,” pleading with the Iraqi government to address their unemployment and difficult living conditions. The post, structured as an appeal, states that engineers are struggling to make a living and support their families despite their desire to contribute to building Iraq’s future. It contains a clear warning that they will escalate their demands after the Arab Summit concludes, stating, “Our voices will be heard by the deaf, and we will demand our rights and the rights of our families and children after the Arab Summit.” The message urges the government to “lift the injustice against us” and asks if there are any “listening ears” to hear their just demands.

7. Iranian Commander’s Visit Stokes Sovereignty Debate

The appearance of Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran’s Quds Force, in Baghdad on the eve of the Arab Summit has fueled a debate about Iranian influence and Iraqi sovereignty. Mishan al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 6%) described Qaani’s visit as an “intentional message,” suggesting Tehran is either trying to humiliate the Iraqi government by showing “the decision is not in your hands,” or that rivals of PM Sudani leaked the photos to signal to Arab leaders that Baghdad is a subordinate state. Salim Al-Jomaili (Post Impact: 4%) questioned the move, asking, “The Arab world sends presidents and foreign ministers to Baghdad, while Khamenei sends the commander of the Quds Force… why militarize Iranian diplomacy in Iraq?” Conversely, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Basri (Post Impact: 4%) praised National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji for welcoming Qaani, viewing it as a powerful counter-message to those celebrating Trump’s visit.

8. Trump’s Old ISIS Strategy Comments Resurface

Former President Trump’s past comments about his strategy for defeating ISIS and his 2018 visit to Iraq are being recirculated. Faig Alsheakh Ali/Kalimati Lil Tarikh (Post Impact: 16%) quoted Trump as saying that while “television” generals in Washington claimed it would take five years to defeat ISIS, a general on the ground in Iraq told him it would only take “three weeks only to eliminate them 100%.” A more detailed account from Haidar (Post Impact: 6%) elaborated on Trump’s story, recounting the secretive, lights-off flight into Iraq and his appointment of General Raizen Kain. Trump claimed he approved the general’s plan to strike ISIS hard from nearby bases, leading to the group’s defeat “in a very short time.”

9. Sectarian Tensions Flare Over Trump’s Gulf Visit

Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf has ignited sectarian rhetoric, with some users interpreting the event through a lens of regional religious and political conflict. Abu Darndesh Al-Askari (Post Impact: 44%) posted a video with the comment, “This is the reality, a general reconciliation between the Jews and Christians in the end times with Wahhabi Islam to fight the Shia.” This narrative frames the Gulf’s alignment with the West as an anti-Shia alliance. Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 16%) contrasted the actions of Gulf states with those of Shia groups, arguing that while Gulf money is spent on normalization, “we presented Hassan Nasrallah, who is worth all the Gulf with their money and rulers.” On the other side, Hiba Alnnaayib (Post Impact: 7%) responded to such criticisms by attacking Shia religious practices, suggesting the mockery of Gulf leaders will not cover up perceived flaws in Shia doctrine.

10. Iraq Mourns the Death of Poet Mowaffaq Mohammed

The death of Iraqi poet Mowaffaq Mohammed prompted tributes from several X/Twitter users, who remembered him as a courageous voice against corruption and the political establishment. Iyad Al-Anbar (Post Impact: 12%) mourned his passing with lines of poetry lamenting a nation that “only slaughters the good people.” Yasser Eljuboori – Yasser Al-Jubouri (Post Impact: 4%) advised Iraq’s political class not to attend his funeral, stating that Mohammed “was your executioner in the name of the Iraqis and rejected your existence until the last moment of his life.” Hassan Basket Ball – HASSAN AL HAMMADI (Post Impact: 3%) recalled the poet as someone who “spat in the face of their weapons” and famously chanted the line, “In the name of religion, the thieves have robbed us.“