Latest news with #Mahmoudal-Mashhadani
Shafaq News
17 hours ago
- Climate
- Shafaq News
Iraq's water crisis: World's highest per capita use
Shafaq News - Baghdad Iraq records the world's highest per capita water usage at 400 liters daily, the Green Iraq Observatory reported on Wednesday. This excessive demand is due to "unchecked practices" such as hosing down streets, overwatering gardens, and widespread use at car washes, generator stations, and swamp coolers, all occurring without regulatory intervention, the Observatory said in a statement. "Iraqis surpass global consumption norms, including those in water-rich nations, yet fail to treat water as a critical strategic resource," the group added. It warned that government inaction has contributed to drought conditions that have displaced families across central, southern, and northern regions, and urged immediate regulatory enforcement to reduce consumption and preserve water supplies. With the crisis deepening, Turkiye agreed to immediately release 420 cubic meters of water per second to Iraq, according to Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani. Iraq faces compounding challenges from both climate change and upstream water restrictions by Turkiye and Iran, which have reduced the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. With limited rainfall and increasing temperatures, the country's water reserves have sharply declined in recent years.
Rudaw Net
a day ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Iraq urges Turkey to increase water flow amid severe crisis
Also in Iraq Baghdad-Erbil oil talks stall over federal refusal to sign written deal: Source Three suspected ISIS members killed in Kirkuk operation Three rockets target Kirkuk Iraq president appoints new Federal Supreme Court chief amid judicial turmoil A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani met with his Turkish counterpart Numan Kurtulmus in Ankara on Tuesday, urging increased water releases into the Tigris and Euphrates rivers as Iraq grapples with a worsening water crisis, largely caused by upstream dam projects in Turkey. In a statement, the Iraqi legislature said Mashhadani stressed the urgent need to boost water flows, "especially at this time of year, and in a way that ensures water reaches all Iraqi provinces, particularly the southern ones." Iraq is heavily reliant on the Tigris and Euphrates for its water supply, with both rivers originating in Turkey. However, Ankara's large-scale dam developments, including the Southeast Anatolia Project (GAP), have significantly reduced downstream flow into Iraq. The reduced water supply has contributed to widespread drought and desertification, with reports indicating that Iraq is receiving less than 40 percent of its historical water share. Addressing broader regional concerns, Mashhadani told his Turkish counterpart that his visit 'comes at a difficult and existential security juncture and challenge in the Middle East,' stressing that Iraq aims to avoid being drawn into regional conflicts. The meeting follows a major regional escalation that began on June 13, when Israeli airstrikes inside Iran killed several senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel. Tensions escalated further on June 20 when the United States struck three of Iran's key nuclear facilities - Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. Iran responded the next day by launching ballistic missiles at al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military base in the region. US President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran last week, which so far appears to be holding. Throughout the conflict, Iraq consistently called for de-escalation and condemned what it described as 'Israeli aggression' against Iran. Baghdad also rejected the use of Iraqi airspace for launching attacks on Iran and filed a complaint against Israel with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). For his part, the Turkish Parliament Speaker Kurtulmus was quoted by the Iraqi parliament's Tuesday statement as hoping that Mashhadani's visit 'could be a good omen for strengthening and developing economic and political relations between the two countries.' He emphasized the shared history and geography between Turkey and Iraq, stating, 'Our future is one, and we hope Iraq becomes one of the region's strongest countries.' Both sides agreed on enhancing economic cooperation, encouraging Turkish investment in Iraq, and improving bilateral communication, the statement concluded. Iraq and Turkey are currently engaged in agreements and negotiations regarding water sharing. In April 2024, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a multi-billion-dollar strategic water agreement in Baghdad. The 10-year pact includes joint projects for improved water management on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and permits Turkish investment in coordination with Iraqi authorities. Despite this milestone agreement, Iraq continues to face a severe water crisis. In late May, a senior official from the Iraqi water resources ministry told Rudaw that the country's water reserves had dropped to their lowest levels in 80 years. Khaled Shamal, spokesperson for the ministry and director of the General Authority for Irrigation and Reclamation Projects, warned that the situation would force Iraq to significantly reduce its summer agricultural plans. 'At the start of the summer season, we should have at least 18 billion cubic meters of water. Today, we only have about 10 billion,' Shamal said, adding, 'We have not seen reserves this low in 80 years.' Given the ongoing crisis, Iraqi politicians have consistently called for a binding, comprehensive international agreement with Turkey to secure Iraq's fair share of water and ensure long-term sustainability.
Shafaq News
18-06-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq urges UK role in halting Iran-Israel war
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani met with British Ambassador to Iraq Irfan Siddiq, urging the United Kingdom to play a constructive role in ending the ongoing Iran-Israel war. According to a statement from the Parliament media office, al-Mashhadani called for diplomatic efforts to focus on fostering peace and stability throughout the region, cautioning against the deepening of existing tensions. He also pointed to crises in Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen, attributing them to what he described as "the actions of the Israeli entity." Turning to economic matters, al-Mashhadani encouraged the UK to strengthen its presence in Iraq's market, inviting British companies—particularly those in the private sector—to invest in ''untapped potential'' across multiple industries. In Turn, Ambassador Siddiq reaffirmed the UK's commitment to Iraq's stability, underscoring his country's opposition to escalation and a preference for diplomatic solutions. He also confirmed that the UK has refrained from participating in strikes, stressing that the British Parliament supports peaceful conflict resolution.
Shafaq News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi Speaker to UN: Stop Israeli violations
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani urged the UN to take a more active role in addressing what he described as ongoing 'violations by the Zionist entity [Israel]' across Iran, Gaza, Syria, and Yemen. The call came during a meeting in Baghdad with UN representative in Iraq, Mohamed al-Hassan, according to a statement from the Iraqi Parliament. Al-Mashhadani emphasized the need for the international body to help protect peace and security in the region and to prevent further conflict escalation. The two officials also discussed Iraq's upcoming elections, with al-Hassan confirming that the UN has appointed qualified international observers to monitor the vote and contribute to its success. The meeting touched on human rights issues, the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the finalization of Iraq's Independent Human Rights Commission. Al-Hassan noted that Iraq is currently a candidate for membership in the UN Human Rights Council. He praised Iraq's democratic progress, describing the country as being 'in its best condition' and commending the role of the Parliament and its speaker in legislative reforms and shaping Iraq's future. Al-Hassan also highlighted Iraq's emerging regional influence, calling it a leader with 'historical depth' in the Middle East. Baghdad, 17 June 2025 – The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, met today with the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Dr. Mahmoud — UNAMI (@UNIraq) June 17, 2025
Iraqi News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Al-Mashhadani heads to Doha upon official invitation
Baghdad-INA Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani headed to the Qatari capital, Doha, today, Monday, upon an official invitation. The Speaker's media office stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani left Baghdad for the Qatari capital, Doha, accompanied by the Chairman of the Integrity Committee, Ziyad al-Janabi." According to the statement "the invitation came in response to an official invitation from his Qatari counterpart, Hassan Abdullah al-Ghanim. During the visit, Al-Mashhadani will meet with a number of Qatari officials to discuss Iraqi-Qatari relations."
