Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi parliament is set to convene on Monday to discuss the country’s growing water crisis and the water agreement signed with Turkey, amid mounting concerns over potential shortages during the upcoming summer season.
The session will focus on mechanisms to pressure Ankara into complying with agreed water release quotas, particularly for the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, as Iraq faces repeated episodes of water scarcity that threaten agriculture, drinking supplies, and economic stability.
Member of parliament Shaimaa Al-Fatlawi, representing the National Approach Bloc, stressed the need to reassess Iraq’s trade relations with neighboring countries, especially Turkey, in light of the ongoing water dispute. Speaking to local news agencies, Al-Fatlawi confirmed that the ministers of foreign affairs and water resources will be summoned to parliament to address the crisis and regional water relations.
Al-Fatlawi explained that lawmakers will review previous agreements signed between Baghdad and Ankara, noting that Turkey has failed to fully adhere to its commitments regarding Iraq’s water share. She emphasized that the Iraqi parliament is seeking practical solutions to ensure the release of more than 1,000 cubic meters per second into the Tigris and Euphrates.
According to Al-Fatlawi, Iraq’s trade exchange with Turkey exceeds 15 billion dollars annually, a figure that could be used as economic leverage to encourage Turkish compliance with international water agreements and bilateral commitments.
In preparation for the session, Iraqi lawmakers have reportedly prepared more than 20 parliamentary questions for the two ministers, focusing on water scarcity, drought, and diplomatic efforts to safeguard Iraq’s water security. The parliament’s agenda for the fifth session, scheduled for January 19, 2026, includes a general debate on the water crisis, attended by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Minister of Water Resources Aoun Dhiab Abdullah.
Earlier reports indicated that a proposed water management mechanism would grant Turkey oversight of water releases and infrastructure operations for a five-year period, in exchange for debt relief and expanded trade ties. While Turkey has pledged to release one billion cubic meters of water to Iraq in the coming days, concerns persist over long-term guarantees.
The debate comes as Iraq faces increasing pressure to secure sustainable water solutions amid climate change, upstream dam projects, and growing domestic demand.
