Based on 519 X / Twitter posts analyzed by Miqrab AI on May 18, 2026, the online conversation in Iraq is dominated by intense debates over the discovery of mass graves in Anbar province, with polarizing accusations being leveled between supporters of the former Ba’athist regime and those who blame Iran-backed militias. Simultaneously, significant attention is given to heightened regional tensions, including reports of a postponed US military strike on Iran following intervention from Gulf leaders, and widespread condemnation of drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory against Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Domestic political developments, such as the fracturing of the “Eamar wa Tanmiya” parliamentary coalition and criticism of Iranian influence on Iraqi sovereignty, also feature prominently in the day’s discussions.

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

1. Anbar Mass Graves Spark Widespread Controversy

A major online debate has erupted following the discovery of mass graves in Anbar province, with competing narratives over the perpetrators’ identities. Accounts like Mohamed Almaroof/محمد المعروف (Post Impact: 13%) and Mustafa Aldulaimi (Post Impact: 7%) directly accuse Iran-backed militias of committing the atrocities against Sunni populations in areas like Saqlawiyah, calling the Popular Mobilization Forces a “#terrorist_organization” and demanding an international investigation. In contrast, a counter-narrative suggests the graves date back to the Ba’athist era. This claim is fueled by the discovery of a beer can from that period, which critics, such as Haider (Post Impact: 11%), allege is a digitally manipulated image created with AI to “mislead public opinion and evade responsibility for the heinous crime.” Others, including Ali farhan ali farhan (Post Impact: 7%), use emotional imagery of orphans to condemn those who would use the beer can to distract from the tragedy.

2. US Attack on Iran Reportedly Postponed by Gulf Leaders

Multiple accounts are reporting that a planned US military attack on Iran was called off at the last minute following a request from Gulf leaders. According to posts by Mahdi Majeed (Post Impact: 9%) and Rafid Jaboori رافد جبّوري (Post Impact: 4%), former US President Donald Trump announced the halt out of respect for requests from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The reasoning provided is that these nations believe a diplomatic agreement is close and wish to avoid regional escalation. Ali farhan ali farhan (Post Impact: 5%) and Haider (Post Impact: 3%) also circulated Trump’s statement. The consensus among these accounts is that Gulf countries fear that a limited US strike would trigger Iranian retaliation against their territories.

3. Condemnation of Drone Attacks Launched from Iraq

There is widespread condemnation of drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant, which were allegedly launched from Iraqi territory. Former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi مصطفى الكاظمي (Post Impact: 17%) stated unequivocally that “Iraq has a deep Arab connection and will not be a staging ground for aggression against its brothers,” calling on security forces to pursue any party involved. Similarly, media personality Al-Muwatin Anwar Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 7%) appeared on-air draped in a Saudi flag to deliver a direct message to the Iraqi government in response to the attack. Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Post Impact: 3%) issued a statement denying that its defense systems detected any such launch and called for cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

4. Journalist Dawood Al-Shirian’s Propaganda Confession

A video clip featuring prominent Saudi journalist Dawood Al-Shirian discussing his role during the Kuwait War gained significant traction. A post by Haider (Post Impact: 53%) claims Al-Shirian confessed to fabricating propaganda against the Iraqi army. In the clip, Al-Shirian allegedly states he was the editor-in-chief of Al-Muslimun newspaper and “practiced propaganda against the Iraqi army with all my might… distributed leaflets about rape cases of Kuwaiti women and special parties held by the Iraqi army. All of it was a lie.” The post quotes him as saying, “This propaganda needs a liar, but a person who knows how to lie.”

5. Raghad Saddam Hussein Voices Support for Saudi Arabia

Amid heightened regional tensions and discussions of attacks on Saudi Arabia, Raghad Saddam Hussein, the daughter of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, expressed her support for the Kingdom. In a widely shared post, Raghad Saddam Hussein (Post Impact: 58%) wrote, “The house has a Lord who protects it.. May God protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the evils of the wicked and the schemes of the hateful.” Her statement was interpreted as a clear message of solidarity with Saudi Arabia against perceived threats originating from or passing through Iraq.

6. Kata’ib Hezbollah on Kidnapping and Threats to US

Kata’ib Hezbollah issued a statement addressing several security issues, prompting analysis from various accounts. According to a post by Haider (Post Impact: 4%), the militia denied that the kidnapped individual, Mohammed Baqir al-Saadi, is a member, but vowed he would be returned “with his head held high.” Sabereen news (Post Impact: 4%) echoed this message. The statement also warned of a potential US-Israeli attack on militia leaders and threatened that any such action would be met with a response. Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 5%) questioned the militia’s denial of Al-Saadi’s membership, pointing to photos of him with Qasem Soleimani and other militia leaders.

7. Iran’s Economic Pressure and Regional Stance

Discussions surrounding Iran’s economic situation and regional posture are prevalent, particularly in light of US sanctions. Rusly Al-Maliki 🇮🇶 رسلي المالكي (Post Impact: 7%) shared satellite images allegedly showing Iran’s oil storage facilities at Kharg Island at full capacity, arguing that this pressure from US sanctions is forcing Tehran to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 5%) presented a defiant view, stating, “America imposed a siege on Iran, and Iran besieged the whole world. This is Shiite power.” Aayad Al Twfan (Post Impact: 12%) shared a video to explain why some Iraqis do not support “Muslim” Iran against the “infidel” US and Israel.

8. Calls for Judicial Reform and International Investigations

There are growing calls for fundamental reform of Iraq’s judicial system and for international intervention to investigate alleged crimes. Omar Abdul Sattar Mahmoud (Post Impact: 7%), citing special sources, claims that Arab countries and the United States have reached a consensus that “changing the situation in Iraq must begin with dismantling and restructuring the Iraqi judiciary, which is considered the founder and sponsor of corruption and militia dominance.” In relation to the Anbar mass graves, Mustafa Aldulaimi (Post Impact: 7%) advocates for an international investigation through recognized organizations to prevent the truth from being buried for political and economic interests.

9. “Eamar wa Tanmiya” Parliamentary Coalition Fractures

The “Eamar wa Tanmiya” (Reconstruction and Development) parliamentary coalition appears to be experiencing significant internal turmoil, with several members announcing their departure. Posts by Hisham Ali :: husham ali (Post Impact: 3%) announced that MP Ali Nehair Al-Sarai had withdrawn from the coalition. Yasser Eljuboori – ياسر الجبوري (Post Impact: 3%) questioned how many MPs remain in the bloc following the latest departure. Another account, by Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 3%), reported news of another potential withdrawal by MP Hassan Al-Khafaji from what he called the “coalition of disintegration.”

10. Criticism of Iranian Influence Over Iraqi Sovereignty

Multiple commentators are openly criticizing what they perceive as Iranian dominance over the Iraqi state and its decision-making. Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 5%) questioned, “When will Iraq have a ruler who does not fear Iran and its militias?” suggesting that until then, the country will remain stagnant. In a similar vein, Hiba Alnnayib (Post Impact: 3%) accuses what she calls “Magian militias” in Iraq of using the “resistance” narrative as a cover to attack Arab countries, fulfilling the agenda of the late Qasem Soleimani. Another post by Mujtahid al-Iraq (Post Impact: 5%) directly refutes an Iranian official’s threats against the UAE, describing Iranians as “cowardly and deceitful.”