Based on an analysis of (490) Facebook posts by Miqrab AI, the top narratives trending in Iraq on July 24, 2025, were dominated by an intense public and political backlash against the Khor Abdullah maritime agreement with Kuwait, with many users demanding government action to assert Iraqi sovereignty. In parallel, the government actively promoted its development agenda, with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s visit to Basra to launch major energy and water projects receiving significant coverage. Other key discussions included security measures, such as a ban on Afghan men entering via Najaf and praise for the Popular Mobilization Forces, alongside widespread public grievances over severe electricity shortages and notable crime stories.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Intense National Debate Over Khor Abdullah Agreement

The sovereignty of the Khor Abdullah waterway has become the most dominant topic on Iraqi Facebook, sparking widespread anger and political mobilization. Pages like Ahmed Alwashah (Post Impact: 100%) and Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 99%) shared content highly critical of the maritime agreement with Kuwait, with some posts describing it as a “sale” of Iraqi territory. There are active calls for protests, with another post from Ahmed Alwashah (Post Impact: 27%) urging citizens to demonstrate in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square. The issue has also seen parliamentary action, as reported by Al-Na’ib Al-Doctor Haider Al-Salami (Post Impact: 33%), who announced that 194 deputies have signed a petition rejecting what they call the “humiliating Khor Abdullah agreement” and demanding the Prime Minister submit the Federal Supreme Court’s nullification decision to the United Nations.

2. PM Al-Sudani Launches Major Projects in Basra

The official page of Prime Minister Al-Mohandes Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (Post Impact: 50%) and other pro-government pages like Wahid Riasa (Post Impact: 21%) and Itilaf Al-I’maar wal-Tanmiya (Post Impact: 19%) heavily promoted his visit to Basra province. During the visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated several strategic projects, including a dry gas unit, a gas treatment plant in the Fayhaa oil field, and the Umm Qasr water project. Al-Sudani’s page also announced the launch of work on a major water desalination project, which he described as a “sustainable and radical solution,” and the Shams Al-Basra solar power station. The posts collectively portray a government actively pursuing development, industrial growth, and environmental protection.

3. Government Pledges to End Gas Flaring by 2029

A significant focus of the Prime Minister’s visit to Basra was on Iraq’s strategy to better utilize its natural gas resources. The page for Al-Mohandes Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (Post Impact: 50%) emphasized that the opening of new gas processing facilities is a key step in the government’s vision to “reduce associated gas flaring operations.” This narrative was strengthened by a post from Al-Khwa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 31%), which quoted the Minister of Oil declaring that “Work is underway to completely stop associated gas flaring in Iraq by 2029.” Together, these posts signal a major policy push towards energy self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility.

4. Controversy Surrounds Ziyouneh Mall Arson Accusation

A developing story about an alleged arson attempt at a mall in Baghdad’s Ziyouneh district gained traction. Pages like Markaz Al-Iraqi Al-Khabari (Post Impact: 31%) shared images identifying two women as the suspects. In response, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior (Post Impact: 8%) issued a clarification, confirming the arrests but stating the accusation was not yet proven and that an investigation into the leaking of the suspects’ photos had begun. The story took a political turn, as reported by Bil-Iraqi (Post Impact: 7%), which noted that Nineveh Provincial Council member Sumaya Al-Khabouri accused the Al-Ahed channel of deliberately defaming women from Mosul by linking the suspects to the city without official confirmation.

5. Iraq Bans Entry of Afghan Men via Najaf Airport

Multiple news pages reported on a decision by the Ministry of Interior to prohibit Afghan men from entering Iraq through Najaf International Airport. Posts from Al-Khwa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 25%) and Da’m Al-Quwwat Al-Amniya Al-Iraqiya (Post Impact: 15%) explained that the ban was enacted after receiving information that they were entering the country for labor purposes. The reports clarify that the measure does not apply to Afghan families, provided they hold round-trip tickets. This security decision was widely circulated by pages such as Al-Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 11%).

6. PMF Praised for Sacrifices; Rights Debated

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were a subject of both praise and political discussion. A high-impact post from Yehia Rasool (Post Impact: 53%), the official military spokesman, described the PMF as a “title of sacrifice and pride” and a “bulwark against terrorism” who defended the nation’s land and honor. On the political front, the page Hussam Alhaj (Post Impact: 11%) quoted Sheikh Qais Khazali, who asserted that the rights of PMF members are a “national and moral entitlement” and should not be a “bargaining chip,” framing the issue as a response to American political pressure aimed at preventing parliament from performing its duties.

7. Public Outcry Over Severe Electricity Shortages

A post from Set Ashwaq Um Al-Qanouniya (Post Impact: 94%) captured the immense public frustration with chronic power cuts. The highly viral post sarcastically questioned the need for a Ministry of Electricity when citizens allegedly receive only two hours of power per day, suggesting that “a kiosk would be more than enough for them.” This sentiment resonated strongly with Iraqis, reflecting deep and ongoing anger over the failure to provide reliable basic services, especially during the intense summer heat.

8. Honest Diyala Police Officer Returns Lost Valuables

A story celebrating the integrity of a security force member was widely praised. The page Maher Muhyi::Sawt Humat Al-Watan (Post Impact: 74%) shared a video of a contract officer from the Diyala Police Command who found and returned a lost bag containing gold, a phone, and money. The post highlighted the officer’s honesty and high professionalism despite his modest pay, stating, “Their salary is not enough for transportation, but their bite is halal.” The story was presented as an example of integrity within the security forces.

9. Karbala Woman Blackmailed by Scammer in Germany

A high-impact crime story was reported by Haider Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 57%), drawing attention to the issue of cross-border cybercrime. The post described a case in which a woman from Karbala was being extorted by an individual based in Germany. The blackmailer was allegedly demanding a payment of $5,000 from the victim. The story highlights the vulnerability of citizens to online blackmail schemes that operate from outside the country.

10. Muqtada al-Sadr Comments on Patriotism

The activities of Sadrist leader Muqtada al-Sadr were a topic of interest. The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada Al-Sadr (Post Impact: 26%) posted that al-Sadr was reviewing the locations of Husseini mourning councils across Iraq. He commented on the matter with the phrase, “Countries are built with the love of homelands.” This message, linking religious observance with patriotism, was also shared by political allies like Hakem Al-Zamili (Post Impact: 8%).