2026-06-24: Muqtada al-Sadr’s “Call for Reform” Drives Engagement
Based on an analysis of 389 Facebook posts by Miqrab AI on June 24, 2026, the online conversation in Iraq is dominated by political, social, and economic developments. The highest engagement surrounded a post by the office of Muqtada al-Sadr calling for reform, signaling continued political mobilization. Significant attention was also given to a major telecommunications deal between Iraq and Qatar, which is being framed as a strategic economic victory. Concurrently, social media was abuzz with a video scandal involving a public official, who claims the footage was fabricated using AI, and a major corruption case against a Deputy Oil Minister involving the seizure of millions of dollars and luxury assets. These narratives highlight a public focus on political leadership, economic diversification, and accountability for corruption and misconduct.
Table Of Content
- 1. Muqtada al-Sadr’s “Call for Reform” Drives Engagement
- 2. Iraq Announces Major Internet Transit Deal with Qatar
- 3. Manager Denies Leaked Video, Blames AI Fabrication
- 4. Millions in Cash Found in Deputy Oil Minister’s Apartment
- 5. Cultural and Religious Content Resonates Widely
- 6. Support for National Team Player Zaid Tahseen
- 7. Discussion on US-Iran Relations and Trump’s Remarks
- 8. “Al-Zaidi’s” Pro-US Policy Pledges Circulate
- 9. Key Political Meetings and a New Government Appointment
- 10. Commentary on the Adnan al-Jumaili Corruption Case
Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:
1. Muqtada al-Sadr’s “Call for Reform” Drives Engagement
The single most impactful story was a post from the office of prominent Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The page, The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 100%), shared that al-Sadr had published a post on the “X” platform with the hashtag “#حي_على_الإصلاح” (Come to Reform). While the contents of the original tweet were not detailed in the Facebook post, its amplification generated massive engagement, indicating the continued and significant influence of al-Sadr’s political messaging among his followers and the wider Iraqi public on social media.
2. Iraq Announces Major Internet Transit Deal with Qatar
A significant economic development captured major attention after Minister of Communications Mustafa Sanad announced a strategic agreement with the Qatari company GBI. Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 53%) detailed that the deal involves marketing internet transit capacity across Iraq via the “Civilizations Road” project, linking Faw to Rabia. For the first time, Iraq will use a long-term use right (IRU) model to lease fiber optic cables, positioning the country as a key digital corridor between Asia and Europe. The minister confirmed that Iraq has already received its first payment in foreign currency for the project. The Iraqi Ministry of Communications (Post Impact: 3%) also shared the announcement, and commentator Hussein Imran (Post Impact: 4%) provided a detailed explanation of the project’s technical and economic significance.
3. Manager Denies Leaked Video, Blames AI Fabrication
A scandal involving an alleged video of Iyad, the General Director of Projects, has spread widely, with multiple pages covering his denial. Khabar Ajeal (Breaking News) (Post Impact: 36%) reported on a televised interview where the director claimed the video was an AI fake, stating he retired a year ago and the woman involved was a finance official who frequently visited his office. Similarly, Taraif al-Alam bi-Uyun Iraqiya (World Jokes through Iraqi Eyes) (Post Impact: 8%) also quoted him as saying the video was manipulated. Other pages like Akher Al-Ahdath Al-Iraqiya (Latest Iraqi Events) (Post Impact: 18%) and Markaz Al-Iraqi Al-Khabari (Iraqi News Center) (Post Impact: 5%) reported that the employee, identified as Lina Raad, has also filed a legal complaint, asserting the video is a fabrication that caused her psychological harm.
4. Millions in Cash Found in Deputy Oil Minister’s Apartment
A major anti-corruption story is developing around Adnan al-Jumaili, the Deputy Minister of Oil. Several pages reported on the seizure of large amounts of cash and assets. Al-Adhamiyah News (Post Impact: 10%) and Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 6%) stated that $22 million was found hidden inside air conditioning units in one of al-Jumaili’s apartments in Baghdad. Khabar Ajeal (Breaking News) (Post Impact: 11%) also reported the discovery and questioned whether the amount could exceed the infamous “theft of the century.” In addition to the cash, pages like Shabakat Baghdad (Baghdad Network) (Post Impact: 8%) shared videos showing a number of al-Jumaili’s luxury vehicles being seized by authorities in Erbil.
5. Cultural and Religious Content Resonates Widely
Content related to Iraq’s rich history and current religious observances achieved high engagement. Babil Bawabit Al-Ilahia (Babylon, Gate of the Gods) (Post Impact: 60%) shared a popular reel contrasting the clear, star-filled night skies of ancient Sumerian cities like Ur and Uruk with modern-day light pollution. In a similar historical vein, Telescope of Iraq (Post Impact: 42%) documented Wadi Dhi Husam in the Najaf desert, a location where Imam Hussein (a.s.) is said to have stopped during his journey to Karbala. As part of the ongoing Muharram commemorations, politician Baqir Jabr al-Zubeidi (Post Impact: 21%) posted a message urging people to cry for Imam Hussein not just to mourn, but to “revive the revolution.”
6. Support for National Team Player Zaid Tahseen
A story focusing on the human side of sports gained traction, centering on Iraqi national football team defender Zaid Tahseen. The page Taraif al-Alam bi-Uyun Iraqiya (World Jokes through Iraqi Eyes) (Post Impact: 27%) reported that the player is going through a difficult psychological period following a mistake he made in a match against France. The post highlighted the significant support he is receiving from coach Graham Arnold and his teammates, including Aymen Hussein and Jalal Hassan, who emphasized that mistakes are a natural part of football.
7. Discussion on US-Iran Relations and Trump’s Remarks
Tensions and agreements between the US and Iran were a prominent topic. Al-Khuwa Al-Nathifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 21%) shared a quote attributed to Donald Trump stating, “The Iranians agreed to everything I want and they have to cooperate or we will go back to doing what we have to do.” Meanwhile, Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 23%) posted about being criticized by Iranian media, which he took as a sign of his influence. The page Al-Khaliya Al-Taktikiya (The Tactical Cell) (Post Impact: 8%) reported that the IAEA announced inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities following a US-Iran agreement, though Iran stated it would only happen after sanctions are lifted.
8. “Al-Zaidi’s” Pro-US Policy Pledges Circulate
A series of strong policy statements attributed to a figure named “Al-Zaidi” were shared by the page Baghdad (Post Impact: 20%). According to the post, Al-Zaidi promised to give US companies “top priority” for investment in Iraq and allocate 500,000 barrels of Iraqi oil per day to help refill the US strategic reserve. The statements also included considering a suspension of Iraq’s OPEC membership, a strict crackdown on corruption, and the disarmament of all militias by September 30, coinciding with the departure of the last US troops. The page Rafid Jaboori (Post Impact: 3%) also shared a video titled “Al-Zaidi’s first interview,” suggesting this figure is gaining media attention.
9. Key Political Meetings and a New Government Appointment
Updates from Iraq’s political scene featured appointments and high-level meetings. Al-Adhamiyah News (Post Impact: 19%) announced the appointment of Abbas al-Bayati as a new advisor to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs. Separately, Mohammed al-Halbousi (Post Impact: 17%), in his capacity as head of the Taqaddum Party, shared details of his meeting with President Nizar Amidi. Their discussion focused on the latest political developments, the importance of national partnership, and the need to complete the formation of the government cabinet to serve the public interest.
10. Commentary on the Adnan al-Jumaili Corruption Case
Beyond reporting the facts of the Adnan al-Jumaili corruption case, several pages shared commentary and related developments. Ammar Al-Hilfi (Post Impact: 23%) posted a tweet from Ammar Zuhair, brother of businessman Nour Zuhair, who commented on the case by saying, “When you see others, you will know my worth.” This suggests a comparison between corruption cases. Page Min Baghdad (From Baghdad) (Post Impact: 6%) also shared a claim by Rahim al-Darraji that political figures had intervened with the King of Jordan to try and have al-Jumaili’s case closed.



