Iraq and Turkey have signed a historic deal aimed at resolving long-standing water disputes and strengthening regional cooperation. The newly approved Iraq–Turkey water agreement includes a pledge by Ankara to release one billion cubic meters of water to Iraq in the coming days.
According to a well-informed source, the agreement establishes a five-year water management mechanism — the first of its kind between the two nations. During this period, Turkey will manage water releases and oversee infrastructure such as dams and distribution systems. After five years, management will return to Iraq under the terms of the Iraq–Turkey water agreement.
The arrangement also covers technical and logistical oversight, ensuring steady and transparent water delivery to Iraq. Turkish officials clarified that the water releases will not affect their national reserves, currently around 90 billion cubic meters.
The agreement extends beyond water cooperation. It includes economic clauses such as the cancellation of certain Turkish debts and a mutual plan to boost trade to at least $30 billion per year. These steps aim to deepen bilateral relations and create sustainable development opportunities.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan signed the executive mechanism of the framework deal in Baghdad. The signing ceremony was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, who described the pact as “a sustainable solution to Iraq’s water crisis.”
Both ministers stressed that this is a historic moment in Iraq–Turkey relations. They said the Iraq–Turkey water agreement represents not only a breakthrough on water sharing but also a strategic step toward regional stability and environmental cooperation.
The agreement highlights mutual trust and long-term planning between Baghdad and Ankara. By integrating water management with trade and infrastructure goals, the deal underscores a new era of cooperation based on shared responsibility and sustainability.