Based on an analysis of 805 X / Twitter posts on January 13, 2026, by Miqrab AI, the primary narrative dominating Iraqi social media is the escalating crisis in Iran and the potential for foreign intervention. Discussions are centered on the widespread anti-regime protests across Iran, the strong rhetoric and economic actions taken by the US administration under Donald Trump, and the varied reactions of regional powers, particularly Gulf states urging restraint. Within Iraq, these events have fueled a polarized debate. Some users express solidarity with the Iranian protesters and connect the events to Iraq’s own Tishreen protest movement, with some calling for a new uprising against Iran-aligned factions. Others express concern about the destabilizing consequences of another regional conflict, warning against US intervention and highlighting the potential negative impact on Iraq’s economy and security.

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

1. Iran Protests and Potential US Intervention Dominate Discussion

The unfolding protests in Iran and the possibility of a US-led intervention are the most discussed topics. Accounts are sharing videos of demonstrations and the government’s violent crackdown, with Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 49%) posting footage of mourners chanting “Morte para Khamenei” and Dr. Ali Al-Jabri (Post Impact: 35%) sharing a tearful eyewitness account of the “repressão sangrenta“. The debate is highly polarized. Sajad Al-Jubouri (Post Impact: 85%) and Muna Sami (Post Impact: 69%) criticize what they see as US hypocrisy, contrasting its justification for invading Iraq with its current stance on Iran, which they argue serves Israeli interests. Conversely, pro-intervention voices like Mujahed Al-Taee (Post Impact: 64%) dismiss warnings against regime change. Meanwhile, figures like Abu Azrael (Post Impact: 56%) warn that if the Islamic Republic falls, “o assassino os governará“.

2. Faiq Al Sheikh Ali Calls for Revival of Tishreen Revolution

Drawing parallels between the events in Iran and Iraq’s political situation, former MP Faiq Al Sheikh Ali is galvanizing support for a renewed protest movement. In a highly impactful post, Faiq Al Sheikh Ali/My Word for History (Post Impact: 100%) announced an upcoming “Batalha dos Turbantes,” telling the “Revolucionários de Tishreen” to prepare themselves and their numbers, declaring that the “revolução de Tishreen triunfará“. This sentiment is echoed by others, such as Firas W. Alsarray (Post Impact: 30%), who stated that the Iranian regime will drink the “mesmo veneno” it gave to Iraqis during the Tishreen protests. Mullah Aboud Al-Karkhi (Post Impact: 26%) explicitly compared Trump’s encouragement of Iranian protesters to Al Sheikh Ali’s rhetoric addressing Tishreen supporters.

3. Gulf States Reportedly Urge US Restraint on Iran

A major diplomatic development is being reported based on articles from the Wall Street Journal. According to multiple posts by ZaidBenjamin Zaid Benjamin (Post Impact: 55%), Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition including Qatar and Oman to persuade the White House not to take military action to overthrow the Iranian government. These Gulf nations reportedly warned that such a move would “desestabilizar os mercados de petróleo e, em última análise, prejudicar a economia dos EUA“. The reporting, cited again by ZaidBenjamin Zaid Benjamin (Post Impact: 38%), notes that these countries fear regional instability and domestic backlash if Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei falls. In contrast, another post from ZaidBenjamin Zaid Benjamin (Post Impact: 35%) states the UAE did not participate in these lobbying efforts. This stance has drawn criticism from accounts like Haydar (Post Impact: 25%).

4. Trump’s Tariffs on Iran’s Trade Partners Stir Concern in Iraq

A new economic measure announced by US President Donald Trump has sparked significant discussion about its potential impact on Iraq. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 28%) and Muna Sami (Post Impact: 43%) shared Trump’s declaration that any country trading with Iran will face a 25% tariff on all business with the United States. This has led to immediate questions about Iraq’s economy, which relies heavily on imports from Iran. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 39%) explicitly asked, “Como o governo iraquiano enfrentará este grande desafio?“. Commentator Rafid Jaboori Rafid Jabbouri (Post Impact: 22%) explained the gravity of the decision, noting it forces countries to choose between the US and Iranian markets.

5. Pro-Khamenei Figure Criticized for Carrying Unlicensed Weapon

A video of an armed individual expressing support for Iran’s Supreme Leader has drawn condemnation. In a post with significant engagement, Hiba Al-Naiyib (Post Impact: 52%) labels the man a “terrorista” for openly carrying an unlicensed weapon and inciting participation in a foreign conflict to support Ali Khamenei. The post questions the inaction of the Iraqi government and its counter-terrorism service, alleging the individual is guilty of at least three clear crimes under Iraqi law: carrying a weapon outside state control, supporting a foreign state, and incitement and recruitment.

6. Cancelled Interview Sparks Debate on Media Professionalism

The sudden cancellation of a recorded television interview with a political leader has led to online debate and ridicule. Haydar (Post Impact: 45%) mocked the official, stating that after a three-hour interview with a “canal Barzani,” the station “riu dele e se recusou a publicar a entrevista“. Taking a more serious tone, journalist Othman Al-Mukhtar (Post Impact: 39%) described the cancellation of an interview with a head of state after it was recorded as a “queda profissional para o canal“. He argued there is no justification for such an act other than the outlet not being a professional channel but a “escritório de relações do partido“.

7. Trump Praises US Special Envoy to Iraq’s Negotiation Skills

A moment from a press conference featuring US President Donald Trump is circulating among Iraqi users, highlighting his praise for the US envoy to Iraq. Both Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 30%) and Haydar (Post Impact: 33%) shared a clip where Trump compliments his special envoy, Mark Savaya. Trump is quoted as telling Savaya, “Ótimo trabalho que você fez, esse cara negocia melhor do que ninguém,” adding, “Com o Iraque, você precisa disso. Você precisa ser um bom negociador, Mark“. The posts frame this as a significant endorsement of the envoy’s role in US-Iraqi relations.

8. Reports of Mistreatment of Syrians in Iraqi Kurdistan

A number of users are raising alarms about the treatment of Syrian refugees in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Haydar (Post Impact: 18%) described the situation for Syrians in the region as “assustador,” alleging that racism is targeting every “árabe sírio” regardless of their political affiliation. Othman Al-Mukhtar (Post Impact: 13%) agrees, blaming “mídia enganosa do PKK e do QSD” for spreading “discurso de ódio contra os sírios em Erbil e Sulaymaniyah” and leading to attacks on refugees. Both accounts suggest these actions are largely carried out by armed groups rather than the local Kurdish population.

9. Geopolitical Analyses on Shifting Middle East Alliances Circulate

In-depth analyses of shifting regional power dynamics are being shared and discussed. ZaidBenjamin Zaid Benjamin (Post Impact: 43%) posted a translated opinion piece from the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth arguing that Israel’s strategic bet should be on a “ascendente Nova Deli” rather than a “hesitante Riade” under Mohammed bin Salman. In another post, ZaidBenjamin Zaid Benjamin (Post Impact: 13%) shared a piece from The Conversation magazine detailing the breakdown of the Saudi-Emirati alliance, citing diverging objectives in Yemen and growing economic competition as key factors. These posts highlight a trend of circulating detailed commentary on the region’s changing geopolitical landscape.

10. Western Nations Issue Travel Warnings for Iran

As tensions escalate, reports that Western countries are advising their citizens to leave Iran are being interpreted as a sign of imminent conflict. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 24%) posted an urgent alert that “A França pede a seus cidadãos que deixem o Irã“. In a similar report, Rusly Al-Maliki 🇮🇶 Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 23%) stated that “Washington apela a seus cidadãos no Irã para que partam imediatamente via Armênia e Turquia“. These official warnings are amplifying concerns among social media users that the situation is rapidly moving towards a more direct confrontation.