Based on Miqrab AI’s analysis of 402 X / Twitter posts trending in Iraq on February 23, 2025, the dominant narrative revolved around the funeral of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. Discussions were deeply polarized, with supporters sharing images of mass mourning in Lebanon and symbolic processions in Iraq, portraying him as a revered martyr of the “Axis of Resistance.” Conversely, critics highlighted his controversial legacy, particularly regarding his role in the Syrian conflict, and derided the attendance of Iraqi officials at the funeral at state expense. A significant sub-theme was the tension created by Israeli jets flying over the funeral procession in Beirut, which supporters saw as a sign of fear and critics viewed as an act of humiliation. This event also sparked domestic sectarian tensions, with reports of Hezbollah flags being raised in Sunni-majority areas of Baghdad, leading to accusations of provocation.

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

1. Widespread Mourning for Hassan Nasrallah

The primary focus on Iraqi X / Twitter was the profound grief expressed by supporters over the death and funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Accounts shared videos and images of large crowds in both Lebanon and Iraq, framing the loss as a monumental event for the “Axis of Resistance.” Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 100%) posted a video of a man weeping, stating, “When men cry, know that the tragedy is great.” Hayder (Post Impact: 74%) reported that millions in Baghdad and southern Iraq held symbolic funerals. The sentiment of reverence was widespread, with Muna Sami – Muna Sami (Post Impact: 70%) sharing a video eulogy and Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 42%) noting the use of Nasrallah’s own voice from a past speech during the procession. Many posts depicted emotional scenes, portraying him as a martyr whose loss deeply affected his followers.

2. Criticism of Iraqi Officials at Funeral

Significant controversy arose over the attendance of high-profile Iraqi officials at Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral in Lebanon. Omar Al-Janabi (Post Impact: 71%) reported that Iraq’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, along with numerous other ministers and MPs, attended the ceremony at the expense of the Iraqi state. Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 26%) questioned a statement by former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi about renewing a “covenant” with Nasrallah. The presence of these officials was heavily criticized, with accounts like Hiba Alnnayib (Post Impact: 25%) sharing a video of Abu Fadak al-Muhammadawi, Chief of Staff of the Popular Mobilization Forces, crying and labeling his tears as insincere.

3. Israeli Jets Fly Over Funeral Procession

Multiple accounts reported that Israeli fighter jets flew at low altitudes over the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, sparking varied reactions. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 35%) and Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 10%) described the flyover as a clear act of provocation and humiliation, especially with Iranian and other Axis delegations present. In contrast, pro-resistance accounts portrayed the event as proof of Israel’s fear. Amir Al-Mousawi (Post Impact: 24%) and Ahmed Abdulsada (Post Impact: 12%) claimed the crowds were unfazed and chanted against Israel, viewing their resolve as a testament to the strength Nasrallah had instilled in them.

4. Pledges to Continue Nasrallah’s “Resistance”

In the wake of Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral, his supporters and allies within the “Axis of Resistance” vowed to continue his legacy. Mohammad Jaafar Al-Sadr (Post Impact: 50%) shared a quote attributed to a “martyr of the nation,” stating that after martyrdom, “there are those who must carry the voice of our blood to the nation… to all generations.” Imad Al-Musafir (Post Impact: 34%) addressed Iraqis, asserting that even those not physically present at the funeral participated in spirit. Accounts such as Abbas Al-Ardawi (Post Impact: 32%) and Dr. Haider Al-Barzanji (Post Impact: 29%) circulated the hashtag #إنّا_على_العهد_يا_نصر_الله (“We are on the covenant, O Nasrallah”), reinforcing their commitment to his cause.

5. Focus on Nasrallah’s Devoted Bodyguard

A recurring human-interest theme was the visible grief of Hassan Nasrallah’s long-time personal bodyguard, Abu Ali. Images and clips of his emotional state circulated widely, symbolizing loyalty and personal loss. Wasan Al-Shayakhli (Post Impact: 61%) shared a photo of him clutching the coffin, describing it as “Loyalty and faithfulness in a picture.” Hayder (Post Impact: 22%) noted that Abu Ali was accompanying his leader for the final time. This narrative served to personalize the collective mourning, with Sabereen News (Post Impact: 16%) stating he was not just guarding a person but “an entire nation.”

6. Counter-Narratives Criticizing Nasrallah’s Legacy

Amid the widespread mourning, a strong counter-narrative emerged from critics who condemned Hassan Nasrallah and his legacy. Najih Abbas Al-Mizan (Post Impact: 40%) posted a critical comment suggesting that if the funeral crowds had fought alongside Nasrallah, Netanyahu would be the one being buried. Liqaa Maki (Post Impact: 26%) argued that, much like the funeral of Qasem Soleimani, the large turnout would not change the reality of the Iranian project’s decline and that many Syrians and Lebanese would remember Nasrallah with hatred. Mahdi Majeed (Post Impact: 24%) claimed that “authentic Iraqis” were happy about his death, dismissing those in mourning as Iranian loyalists.

7. Sectarian Tensions Sparked in Baghdad

The mourning for Hassan Nasrallah spilled over into domestic sectarian tensions, as several accounts reported provocative actions in Baghdad. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 35%) and Omar Al-Janabi (Post Impact: 22%) shared images of a Hezbollah flag being raised in front of the Abu Hanifa Mosque in the predominantly Sunni district of Adhamiyah. They interpreted this as a deliberate provocation against the Sunni community. Mahdi Majeed (Post Impact: 18%) argued that instead of confronting Israel, which killed Nasrallah, these groups chose to antagonize Iraqi Sunnis.

8. Israel’s Regional Moves and Military Disclosures

Discussions on X / Twitter also covered broader Israeli military and strategic actions in the region. Sufian Al-Samarrai (Post Impact: 28%) reported an Israeli declaration placing the Druze community in Syria under its protection. Meanwhile, Hayder (Post Impact: 43%) posted about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warning Syrian opposition leader Abu Muhammad al-Jolani against advancing south of Damascus. The timing of these events was amplified by Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 24%), who shared a video purportedly released for the first time by the Israeli military showing the strike that assassinated Nasrallah.

9. Symbolic Funeral Rites Held Across Iraq

Beyond commentary, there was significant coverage of symbolic funeral processions for Hassan Nasrallah held throughout Iraq, demonstrating the depth of his support base there. Hayder (Post Impact: 74%) claimed millions participated in these events in Baghdad and the central and southern governorates. One notable video shared by Abu Darandash Al-Askari (Post Impact: 11%) showed Iraqi mourners performing the “Tuwayrij Run,” a fervent ritual of mourning usually reserved for Ashura, to express their grief for Nasrallah, underscoring the religious and emotional significance they attached to his martyrdom.

10. Skepticism Over Funeral’s Turnout and Leadership

A critical narrative emerged questioning the strength and unity projected at the funeral by pointing to the composition of the crowd and the absence of key figures. Najih Abbas Al-Mizan (Post Impact: 14%) claimed that women constituted the “overwhelming majority” of attendees and that the turnout was less impressive than for a recent tribal event. This observation was echoed by Mahdi Majeed (Post Impact: 10%), who asked, “Where are the men of Hezbollah?” Furthermore, Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 8%) pointed out that Hezbollah’s new leader, Naim Qassem, delivered his speech via a pre-recorded video, speculating that he feared for his own safety.