Based on a Miqrab AI analysis of 463 X / Twitter posts trending in Iraq on September 12, 2025, the primary narratives revolve around the plight of Iraqi pilgrims stranded at the Saudi border, extensive discussions on recent Israeli military actions in Qatar, and historical reflections on foreign involvement in Iraqi conflicts. The most prominent story detailed thousands of Iraqi Umrah pilgrims stuck at the Arar border crossing after Saudi authorities tightened security due to a smuggling attempt. Another major topic was the Israeli airstrike in Doha, with accounts sharing details from international media about the operation’s logistics, including the use of Saudi airspace. Additionally, there was significant conversation about historical events, including accusations against Iran’s Qasem Soleimani and Syria’s Bashar al-Assad for their alleged roles in destabilizing Iraq after 2003, as well as admissions from Qatar’s former Prime Minister regarding his country’s part in the U.S.-led invasion.

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

1. Iraqi Pilgrims Stranded at Saudi Border

The most impactful story of the day concerns thousands of Iraqi Umrah pilgrims who are reportedly stranded at the Arar border crossing. Accounts like Omar Abd Al Sattar Mahmoud (Post Impact: 100%) state that the crossing is almost completely closed from the Saudi side, leaving pilgrims waiting in the open for over 24 hours. The reason cited for the closure is an attempt to smuggle Captagon pills, alcohol, and other liquors hidden in food and vehicles within nine buses carrying pilgrims, which prompted Saudi authorities to intensify inspections. Mashaan Al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 47%) appeals directly to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to intervene and facilitate the pilgrims’ entry, highlighting that they are without food, water, or shelter. He also urges the Iraqi ambassador in Riyadh, Safia Al-Suhail, to address their suffering and protect their dignity.

2. Israeli Strike on Qatar and Regional Tensions

A major topic of discussion was the recent Israeli airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders, with many accounts sharing details from international media. ZaidBenjamin Zaid Benjamin (Post Impact: 15%), citing the Wall Street Journal, reported that Israeli F-15 and F-35 fighter jets flew over the Red Sea and launched ballistic missiles that passed through the space above Saudi Arabia to reach their target in Doha. This was done to avoid accusations of violating Saudi airspace. Haidar (Post Impact: 16%) contrasted this with reports of Saudi air defenses shooting down a Yemeni drone, suggesting a double standard by claiming the defenses were in a “deep sleep” when Israeli missiles passed overhead. Sufian Al-Samarrai (Post Impact: 18%) commented on the Israeli representative’s challenge to Qatar at the UN, quoting him as saying Israel will strike again if Hamas is not expelled.

3. Allegations Against Soleimani and Assad

Several high-engagement posts revisited the alleged roles of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in destabilizing Iraq after 2003. Salim Al-Jomaili (Post Impact: 30%) described Soleimani’s actions as despicable, claiming he asked Assad to open training camps for suicide bombers to attack Baghdad in service of Iran’s national security interests. He cites former Iraqi National Security Minister Qasim Daoud as the source for these claims. Similarly, Sajjad Al-Jubouri (Post Impact: 12%) and Dr. Ghalib Al-Daami (Post Impact: 12%) echoed these accusations, stating that Assad complied with Soleimani’s request to open camps for al-Qaeda, leading to a series of deadly bombings in Iraq. They criticize those who now support Assad, despite his alleged history against Iraqis.

4. Ex-Qatari PM’s Remarks on 2003 Iraq Invasion

A post from Kashf al-Abatil (Detect Falsehoods) (Post Impact: 48%) gained significant attention for quoting Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, the former Prime Minister of Qatar, on his country’s role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. According to the post, Hamad bin Jassim admitted that hundreds of aircraft took off from the Al-Siliya base in Qatar to bomb Iraq, that pipelines were extended to fuel the coalition’s planes, and that Gulf and Arab officers were present at the base under the command of the coalition forces. The former PM is quoted as saying, “It was as if I was watching a movie when I sat with the coalition forces commander, Tommy Franks, several times to watch the bombing of Iraqi cities.” Another post from the same account recalls bin Jassim stating, “The Israelis are not wolves, but we have become sheep.”

5. Killing of Sunni Sheikh in Baghdad

Multiple accounts reported on the death of Sheikh Abdul Sattar al-Qarghouli, an imam at a mosque in the Dora district of Baghdad, allegedly at the hands of Salafist groups. Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 11%) stated that the “moderate Sunni sheikh” was killed in a dispute over the imamate of the mosque. Haidar (Post Impact: 9%) specified that Salafi-Madkhali groups assaulted the preacher to prevent him from delivering the Friday sermon, leading to his death, and claimed these groups are trying to impose control over mosques with political support. Dr. Sheikh Khalid Al-Mulla (Post Impact: 5%) expressed that he had warned about such dangers for years and called for immediate reform within the religious establishment to prevent further conflict.

6. Accusations of Iranian Role in Creating ISIS

A recurring theme involved accusations that Iran was instrumental in the formation of extremist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Mustafa Al-Duleimi (Post Impact: 16%) and Aayad Al Twfan (Post Impact: 13%) shared videos claiming to reveal the “truth” about who was behind the escape of Al-Qaeda leaders from Abu Ghraib prison and the subsequent establishment of ISIS, suggesting it was an Iranian project. Bahaa Khaleel (Post Impact: 6%) commented on this narrative, stating, “We have been talking for years until our voices became hoarse, saying that ISIS and Al-Qaeda are an Iranian industry.”

7. Promotion of Ahmed Albasheer’s Show

The popular satirical program “Albasheer Show” and its host generated significant engagement with posts promoting a new segment. Host Ahmed Albasheer (Post Impact: 28%) and the official show page Albasheer Show Republic (Post Impact: 20%) both posted teasers using the hashtag #اكس_ومربع (#X_and_Square), with the show’s account stating, “The game has begun…”. The posts generated anticipation among their followers, with other users like Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 5%) joining in the discussion about the show’s content.

8. Condemnation of Turkey Cutting Water to Iraq

The issue of water scarcity due to Turkish policies was a point of anger on Iraqi X / Twitter. Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 18%) posted a strong condemnation, praying for the destruction of the Turkish government and its President Erdoğan for cutting water to Iraq in violation of international law. In another post, he criticized a Sunni leader who allegedly failed to negotiate a water deal with Turkey despite promising to do so in exchange for political concessions from Shia leaders, concluding that “Turkey treats them as its slaves.”

9. Commentary on Upcoming 2025 Elections

As the 2025 elections approach, some commentators expressed concern over the political climate. Yasser Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 8%) called on political entities and candidates to maintain competition within a national, ethical framework and to avoid divisive tactics or the illicit use of public funds and positions. Similarly, Ezzat Al-Shabandar (Post Impact: 4%) lamented that the electoral scene has turned into a “slave market” where victory goes to the highest bidder and a “war” of character assassination, warning that such actions, along with sectarian incitement, are destroying the country.

10. Release of Israeli Researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov

The release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held captive in Iraq, prompted commentary from several accounts. Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 4%), citing Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, claimed that Kata’ib Hezbollah released her without any exchange due to pressure and fear of repercussions. This sentiment was shared by Bahaa Khaleel (Post Impact: 4%), who mocked the militias for their initial boasting, suggesting they “ran away out of fear.” Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 3%) provided a detailed summary of the Asharq Al-Awsat report, which described how the captors felt compelled to release Tsurkov after facing pressure from both the Iraqi government and the United States.