Based on 472 Facebook posts analyzed on July 9, 2025, Miqrab AI has identified several key themes and narratives dominating online conversations in Iraq. The most engaging content was sports-related, specifically a major football match result that saw Paris Saint-Germain defeat Real Madrid. Politically, conversations were driven by statements from influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr reaffirming his withdrawal from the political process, and widespread reaction to news of the United States imposing significant tariffs on Iraqi goods. Security issues also featured prominently, with a newly surfaced video related to the five-year-old assassination case of analyst Hisham al-Hashimi gaining significant traction. Other key topics included Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s activities in Najaf, armed clashes involving a tribe in Erbil, and the passing of a renowned Iraqi artist.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. PSG Defeats Real Madrid in Club World Cup

The most engaging story across Iraqi Facebook was Paris Saint-Germain’s decisive 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, securing their spot in the final. The page Al Khوة Al Nadhifa (Post Impact: 100%) announced the result, which was echoed by other pages like Bab Al Toob (Post Impact: 6%). Commentary from pages such as Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 6%) described the first half as “scandalous for Real” and another post from the same page offered condolences to the team’s fans. The overwhelming result generated significant discussion and reactions among Iraqi football fans.

2. Muqtada al-Sadr Reiterates Political Withdrawal

Statements from Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr generated significant political discussion. According to his official office page, Al Maktab Al Khas li Samahat Al Sayyid Muqtada Al Sadr (Post Impact: 99%), al-Sadr posted a message on the “X” platform reaffirming his stance. News pages like Yalla (Post Impact: 18%) quoted from his message, titled “Shaqshaqa,” where he stated that politics is “less significant than a sick goat’s fart.” His office also shared another comment from him after reviewing Husseini mourning councils, where he wrote the historic phrase, “Someone like me does not pledge allegiance to someone like him,” a statement widely shared by pages including Iraqeen W Bas (Post Impact: 10%).

3. US Imposes 30% Tariff on Iraqi Goods

A letter from former US President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani announcing a 30% tariff on all Iraqi products exported to the United States was a major topic of conversation. Pages such as Al Khوة Al Nadhifa (Post Impact: 23%) cited Reuters on the news. Baghdad (Post Impact: 17%) and Rusly Al-Maliki – رسلي المالكي (Post Impact: 12%) shared the full text of the letter, which cited a “significant trade deficit” as the reason for the new tariffs, set to begin on August 1. Pages like Al Qasr Al Hukoumi (Post Impact: 14%) highlighted Trump’s message to Sudani that “Iraq is great and the United States will never disappoint you.”

4. Video Surfaces in Hisham al-Hashimi Assassination Case

A video showing a crime scene reconstruction related to the assassination of security analyst Hisham al-Hashimi circulated widely on Facebook, five years after his death. Pages like Taraif Al Alam Bi’uyun Iraqia (Post Impact: 29%) and Khan Jghan (Post Impact: 22%) shared the footage, noting a critical detail: the suspect seen in the video had later been acquitted of the charges and released. This new development sparked renewed discussion and questions surrounding the high-profile case.

5. Herki Tribe Clashes and Resolution in Erbil

Tensions in Erbil involving the Herki tribe were a focus of several pages. A video shared by Ardha (Post Impact: 42%) showed Sheikh Khorshid Herki, leader of the tribe, celebrating with his supporters and announcing the withdrawal of Peshmerga forces from the tribe’s villages. However, subsequent posts from pages like Al Hadath Iraq Al Hadath Al Iraqi (Post Impact: 8%) and Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 7%) reported that the armed clashes had ceased and Sheikh Herki had publicly apologized from the home of Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, bringing an end to the crisis.

6. PM Sudani Visits Najaf, Stresses State Authority

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s activities in Najaf were covered by his official page and several news outlets. Al Muhanadis Muhammad Shia Al Sudani (Post Impact: 23%) posted about his visit to the guesthouse of Sheikh Mohammed Al Tha’ban, the leader of the Al Shibil tribes, where he highlighted the important role of tribes in supporting the state and maintaining civil peace. Pages like Bkhidmtak (Post Impact: 10%) and Al Qasr Al Hukoumi (Post Impact: 6%) focused on his statement that “restricting weapons to the state is a cornerstone of nation-building, and the government is proceeding with a plan to achieve this goal.”

7. Death of Prominent Artist Iqbal Naeem

Facebook pages mourned the death of renowned Iraqi stage artist Iqbal Naeem at the age of 66. Akher Al Ahdath Al Iraqia (Post Impact: 35%) announced her passing, describing her as a “giant of theater art,” the sister of actress Awatif Naeem, and a winner of major awards like the Golden Feather at the Children’s Theater Festival. Director Khazal Al Maijdi (Post Impact: 4%) also paid tribute, calling her the “Sindianah (oak tree) of Iraqi theater” and recalling her creativity and talent in his own theatrical works.

8. Security Concerns Regarding Forces in Syria

Pages highlighted growing security concerns stemming from Syria. Ninawa (Post Impact: 19%) reported on the assassination of Sheikh Rasoul Shuhoud, described as a prominent Shia cleric, in rural Homs, accusing “Jolani’s gangs” of being behind the attack. Separately, politician Baqer Jabr Al-Zubaidi (Post Impact: 18%) warned that forces under al-Jolani, including foreign fighters, are being trained and equipped with advanced weapons like drones. He claimed this is part of a “malicious project” by regional actors targeting Iraq and Iran.

9. Basra Father Praised for Supporting Daughter’s Business

A human-interest story from Basra garnered significant positive attention. A video shared by Ammar Al Halfi (Post Impact: 66%) featured a man identified as “the ideal father, Hajj Abu Hussein,” from Abu Al-Khasib. The post praised him for being a “true support” to his daughter by helping her run a small business, which enables her to provide for her children. The page celebrated this as a “successful project” and shared the family’s contact number to encourage community support, resonating with many users as an inspiring local story.

10. Criticism of Iran-Backed Militias

A coordinated message critical of Iran-backed militias appeared across several pages. Posts by Tele Iraq (Post Impact: 17%) and Tele Iraq – tiili eiraq midia (Post Impact: 15%) carried the identical text, stating, “The militias backed by Iran not only plunder our country, but they wash away our future. They do not protect us, but exploit us at our expense.” The shared narrative suggests an ongoing and organized effort to highlight public frustration with the role and actions of these groups in Iraq.