Based on Miqrab AI’s analysis of 447 X / Twitter posts trending in Iraq on August 2, 2026, the online discourse was dominated by geopolitical tensions, domestic sovereignty concerns, and religious observances. The most significant topic was the de-escalation between the United States and Iran, with Iraqi social media split between crediting Saudi diplomacy for averting a war and attributing the cancellation of a US attack to Iran’s military deterrence. A viral video showing an Iraqi passport officer allowing an Iranian blogger to stamp her own passport sparked widespread outrage, with users condemning it as a profound violation of state authority and sovereignty. Other major themes included criticism of the government for granting free visas to thousands of foreign nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan ahead of the Arbaeen pilgrimage; discussions around the activities of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF); and commemorations of the anniversary of the end of the Iran-Iraq war.

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

1. Outrage Over Passport Officer and Iranian Blogger

A video showing an Iraqi passport officer allowing an Iranian blogger to stamp her own passport has caused widespread anger on Iraqi social media. Accounts like Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 100%) and Hiba Alnnaayib (Post Impact: 14%) condemned the act, with the former asking, “Haven’t you sold it out too much?” Zainab Rabee (Post Impact: 23%) described it as a “mockery and recklessness,” contrasting the ease with which the Iranian entered with the scrutiny Iraqis face at international borders. Abu Maryam (Post Impact: 19%) identified the officer as “Adel Ali Zweid.” Ali Farhan (Post Impact: 15%) emphasized that a passport officer is the “face of the state” and that respecting one’s job is respecting the state’s prestige. The sentiment across these posts is one of indignation over a perceived loss of national sovereignty and dignity.

2. Saudi Arabia Credited for Averting US-Iran War

Following former US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he canceled a planned military strike against Iran, numerous commentators credited Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts for the de-escalation. Dr. Ihssan Al-Shammari (Post Impact: 77%) stated that “for the third time, the diplomacy of Prince Mohammed bin Salman succeeded in reducing escalation and sparing the Middle East a devastating war.” Similarly, Liqaa Maki (Post Impact: 77%) noted that Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries once again shielded Iran from an imminent US attack, urging Iran to reciprocate by pursuing realism and ceasing interference in Arab affairs. Mustafa Al-Dulaimi (Post Impact: 37%) and Abu Maryam (Post Impact: 18%) also highlighted the narrative that Saudi Arabia “saved” Iran from a decisive blow.

3. Iranian Deterrence Cited for US Attack Cancellation

A counter-narrative emerged attributing the cancellation of the US strike to Iran’s military power rather than diplomatic intervention. Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 71%) argued that “the reason for postponing any strike that Trump announces and then retracts is the strength of Iranian deterrence, not the intervention of oil and money princes or a favor from Trump.” This view was echoed by others, such as Ezzat Alshabandar (Post Impact: 8%), who characterized Trump’s retreat as a “show” linked to his low popularity. Wesam Aziz (Post Impact: 8%) stated that the “threat of great Iran forced the foolish Trump to flee from the consequences of the strike,” portraying the event as a victory for Iranian strength.

4. Concerns Over Mass Entry of Foreign Nationals

Several accounts raised alarms about the Iraqi government’s decision to grant free entry visas to a large number of foreign nationals. Othman Al-Mukhtar (Post Impact: 35%) highlighted that 15,000 Afghans were granted free visas while hundreds of thousands of Iraqis remain displaced from areas like Jurf al-Sakhr. Sheikh Thaer Al-Bayati (Post Impact: 25%) provided a more detailed breakdown, claiming free entry for 15,000 Afghans (Fatimiyoun militia), over 1.5 million Iranians (including IRGC members), and 50,000 Pakistanis (Zainabiyoun militia). He framed this as Iran mobilizing its “resistance axis” forces inside Iraq under the cover of religious pilgrimage, questioning the government’s priorities and control over its borders while Iraqi employees’ salaries are delayed.

5. PMF Activities and Rhetoric Amid Regional Tensions

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were a subject of discussion regarding their posture and rhetoric toward neighboring countries. Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 7%) reported that the PMF was evacuating its headquarters in Nineveh and moving to alternative locations in anticipation of American and Gulf strikes. Meanwhile, some accounts highlighted aggressive rhetoric, with Hiba Alnnaayib (Post Impact: 17%) noting the PMF responded to Saudi Arabia with a “stream of insults and threats,” while Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 14%) explicitly threatened Saudi Arabia with a “war that has a beginning but no end.” In parallel, Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 8%) pointed to readiness checks being conducted by PMF Chief of Staff Abdul Aziz al-Muhammadawi in Karbala, indicating a state of alert.

6. Commemorating Anniversary of Iran-Iraq War’s End

With the anniversary of the end of the Iran-Iraq War on August 8, 1988 approaching, some users commemorated it as a “day of great victory.” Aayad Al Twfan (Post Impact: 24%) described the day as one when “every honorable Iraqi rejoiced” and “every traitor, agent, and follower lamented.” He shared a video of an exchange with Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 19%), in which Al-Maliki gave a military salute to retired Brigadier General Al Twfan on behalf of the Iraqi army. The posts frame the anniversary as a moment of national pride and a victory over Iran.

7. Iraq’s Position Criticized Amid Regional Threats

Commentators expressed frustration with Iraq’s perceived vulnerability and its position in regional conflicts. Ahmed Al-Thawaq (Post Impact: 25%) lamented that when Iran strikes Jordan or Saudi Arabia, these countries threaten Iraq in response instead of confronting Iran directly. He also noted Syria now “has a tongue and threatens Iraq,” calling it a “wretched time.” In a similar vein, Mullah Aboud Al-Karkhi (Post Impact: 11%) discussed Syria’s threat to retaliate if Iran’s proxies in Iraq interfere in Syrian affairs, questioning how the Syrian regime, lacking an air force, would be able to respond. Both posts highlight a sense of Iraq being caught in the middle and unfairly targeted by its neighbors.

8. Discussions and Incidents During Arbaeen Pilgrimage

As the Arbaeen pilgrimage approached, discussions on X/Twitter covered its massive scale as well as related incidents. Wesam Aziz (Post Impact: 20%) noted that the streets of Baghdad were empty as residents traveled to Karbala for the event. Hayder (Post Impact: 18%) shared footage from Karbala, noting it was two days before Arbaeen. In a display of international participation, Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 12%) posted a video of the British ambassador stating he was honored to walk on behalf of his fellow citizens who could not attend. However, not all reports were positive; Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 7%) shared a report from Amidiya969 where Iraqi train drivers complained about pilgrims stoning their trains, causing injuries and damage.

9. Egyptian Court Orders Iraqi Airways to Pay $787M

News circulated about a significant financial ruling against Iraq’s national airline. Both Hayder (Post Impact: 13%) and Husham Ali (Post Impact: 6%) reported that Egypt’s Court of Cassation upheld a decision requiring Iraqi Airways to pay $787 million, plus interest, to the Egyptian company “Horse.” This legal and financial setback for the Iraqi state-owned company was shared as a significant news item by these accounts.

10. PM Discusses Reforms and Security with Political Leaders

The activities of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi were reported by official and political accounts. Ammar Al-Hakim (Post Impact: 17%) posted about his meeting with the Prime Minister, stating they discussed the financial crisis, government partnerships, and the reform path. The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Media Office (Post Impact: 7%) confirmed the meeting, emphasizing the government’s commitment to its program and anti-corruption efforts. The Prime Minister’s Office also reported on a separate meeting with Sheikh Hammam Hamoudi, head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, to discuss similar themes of supporting the government and its service projects.