Iraqi MP says drought threatens around 70% of the country

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A former member of Iraq's parliamentary Agriculture and Water Committee, Tair Cuburi, has warned that climate change is intensifying across the country, with drought waves now affecting roughly 70% of Iraqi territory. Cuburi said water flows reaching Iraq from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers have declined as a result of policies pursued by upstream neighboring countries, leaving areas along the Euphrates and large parts of the south under growing pressure from drought and water shortages. He noted that climate impacts have been visible for three decades, but their severity has risen sharply in recent years. The lawmaker said the 2025 drought season has sharply reduced the country's agricultural plan, narrowing the planting area for strategic crops such as wheat, barley and rice, and leaving thousands of farmers unable to work their land. Cuburi added that the drop in local agricultural output has been passed directly to markets, increasing the cost-of-living pressure on citizens, and warned that the effects of the crisis will continue if urgent measures are not taken. Iraq is among the countries in the region most affected by climate change and is in need of long-term water management policies, he said.