Based on a Miqrab AI analysis of 422 Facebook posts trending in Iraq on September 30, 2026, the dominant narrative revolves around the declaration of “Sovereignty Day,” marking the end of the international coalition’s mission. This event has prompted widespread commentary, led by a highly engaged statement from the influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who announced the dissolution of one of his armed factions. Discussions across various pages centered on the implications of this new era, with politicians and the public calling for the state to have a monopoly on weapons. Concurrently, political maneuvering for key government positions, particularly the Ministry of Interior, and reactions to statements from US President Donald Trump about the withdrawal also captured significant attention, highlighting a period of national reflection on Iraq’s security, political independence, and future governance.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Muqtada al-Sadr Dissolves Militia on Sovereignty Day

The most impactful story on Iraqi Facebook was a statement from Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, shared by his The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 100%). Timed with the withdrawal of US forces, Sadr announced the immediate dissolution of his “Promised Day Brigade” (Liwa al-Youm al-Maw’ud), urging its transformation into a civil institution. The post by Ahmed Althawaq (Post Impact: 1%) highlights that Sadr also called for compensation from the US for the occupation and stated, “I find it in the interest of the country for political leaders to abandon and retire from political work immediately and open the door for new faces.” This move was praised by pages like Raheem Aburhgeef (Post Impact: 6%), which commended Sadr’s step to integrate his groups into state institutions. Pages such as Humat al-Dar (Post Impact: 1%) and One Watan (Post Impact: 2%) also widely circulated the news of the militia’s dissolution.

2. Iraq Marks “Sovereignty Day” as Coalition Mission Ends

The end of the international coalition’s military mission and the departure of foreign troops prompted widespread celebration of “Sovereignty Day.” Pages across the platform shared congratulatory messages and footage of celebrations. The page Ammar Al-Halfi (Post Impact: 14%) posted a video reel with the hashtag #يوم_السيادة (#Sovereignty_Day). Security institutions, including the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (ICTS) (Post Impact: 9%) and the Iraqi Special Operations Forces (Post Impact: 5%), shared videos of their personnel celebrating with citizens and commemorating fallen soldiers. Government bodies like the Iraqi Ministry of Transport (Post Impact: 8%) and the Iraqi Ministry of Planning (Post Impact: 2%) issued official statements celebrating the occasion and linking national sovereignty to economic development and the state’s ability to manage its resources.

3. Yasser al-Maliki Nominated for Interior Minister Post

Significant political discussion was generated by the news that the State of Law Coalition has nominated Yasser Sakheil al-Maliki for the position of Minister of Interior. The news was reported by pages like Hayder Alhamdani (Post Impact: 24%). The nomination drew immediate commentary and opposition. For instance, Mohammed Naanaa (Post Impact: 2%) argued that political forces and national elites should reject the appointment, stating that the Ministry of Interior should be led by high-ranking officers from the army or police, or by civilian figures with security experience from agencies like National Security or Intelligence.

4. PM al-Zaidi Addresses Nation on Sovereignty Day

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s national address on Sovereignty Day was a major topic of conversation. The Prime Minister’s Media Office (Post Impact: 5%) published the full transcript of the speech, in which he declared a new era for Iraq as a nation that “owns its decision completely.” Al-Zaidi thanked the religious authority, security forces, and armed factions for their role in fighting terrorism, and called on them to integrate their weapons and personnel into the state’s official institutions. The speech was also shared by Humat al-Dar (Post Impact: 10%). In a related development reported by Maher Mouhi::Voice of the Homeland’s Protectors (Post Impact: 4%), the Prime Minister announced he would forgo his government salary, stating that a position should be a responsibility, not a gain.

5. Politicians Demand State Monopoly on Weapons

The departure of coalition forces has intensified calls from prominent politicians to ensure all weapons are exclusively held by the state. Ahmed Alwashah (Post Impact: 12%) argued that with 1.6 million members in the armed and security forces, there is no longer any justification for the existence of factional weapons. Similarly, former Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Al-Halbousi (Post Impact: 11%) stated in his congratulations on Sovereignty Day that its completion requires “continuing to work on restricting weapons to the state, monopolizing the decision of war and peace, and strengthening the authority of constitutional institutions.”

6. US Forces Hand Over Key “Victory Base” in Baghdad

Details surrounding the US military withdrawal were shared by security-focused pages, with a particular emphasis on the handover of the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center (BDSC), also known as Victory Base. The Tactical Cell (Post Impact: 7%) described the event as a landmark moment, noting it is the first time since 2003 that the facility, located within Baghdad International Airport, is under full Iraqi government control. The page explained the base’s strategic importance as a former logistics hub and center for US Special Forces. In a separate post, The Tactical Cell (Post Impact: 3%) also reported on the Pentagon’s official announcement formally concluding Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq.

7. Criticism Mounts Over Sovereignty Day Celebrations

Alongside the official celebrations, a counter-narrative emerged criticizing the events and questioning the authenticity of Iraq’s newfound sovereignty. Ahmed Alwashah (Post Impact: 7%) shared a video mocking armed faction members, noting they were celebrating the departure of Americans while driving American-made cars. Other pages focused on perceived foreign influence. Muheeb Rishan (Post Impact: 6%) and Fid Daqiqa (Post Impact: 2%) both posted videos showing Iranian flags being raised during the celebrations in Baghdad, with Rishan sarcastically commenting, “Raising Iranian flags to celebrate what is called Iraqi Sovereignty Day.”

8. Trump Praises Iraqi PM, Confirms Final US Exit

Statements from US President Donald Trump regarding the withdrawal were widely circulated on Iraqi social media. Multiple pages, including Iraqis Only – Iraqeen W Bas (Post Impact: 5%) and Baghdad (Post Impact: 1%), quoted Trump’s announcement. Trump was cited as saying, “I am pleased to announce that the last American forces are leaving Iraq,” and adding, “Most importantly, we are leaving and Iraq has a wonderful new Prime Minister, Ali Al-Zaidi, a person I have supported from the beginning and endorsed.” The comments were shared as confirmation of the finality of the US military departure and as an indicator of Washington’s support for the current Iraqi leadership.

9. Government Launches Electronic Fuel Sticker System

The Oil Products Distribution Company announced the launch of an electronic registration link for a “sticker” system, as a precursor to issuing fuel cards for gasoline-powered vehicles. As reported by Maraya (Post Impact: 6%) and Atilla Agha (Post Impact: 2%), the company urged citizens to register quickly to complete the vehicle database. The announcement clarified that the new system will be used to regulate fuel quotas and ensure citizens receive a fair and adequate share of gasoline, signaling a potential move away from the current distribution method and an effort to address fuel shortages.

10. Debate on Coalition Commander’s Use of Iraqi Proverb

A statement by the outgoing Commander of the International Coalition sparked a debate online after he used an Iraqi proverb. Breaking News (Post Impact: 7%) shared a clip of the commander saying, “The Iraqi proverb says ‘gird yourself for the jackal with a lion’s belt’.” This prompted criticism from former military spokesman Abdul Karim Khalaf, who, as reported by Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 3%) and Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 2%), dismissed the commander as having no “war experience.” In response, both Nabil and Al-Maliki published detailed accounts of the commander’s extensive military career, listing his service in the Navy SEALs, multiple master’s degrees, and command roles in special operations, defending his credentials against Khalaf’s critique.